The Eagles return to Premier League action in buoyant mood after securing a European semi-final in midweek with a two legged aggregate victory over Fiorentina.
It did come at a cost however, as Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix both had to be replaced in the first half of the away encounter and are doubtful for the fixture against West Ham United.
But that does not temper the excitement in and around Selhurst Park as fans look to get their tickets for the semi-final along with travel arrangements with a larger allocation expected for the away fixture in Poland.
Ahead of that however, there are two important league games to get through. First up is a home fixture against a struggling West Ham side who have become embroiled in relegation battle, and with teams around them picking up points over the weekend, they will be keen to do the same at Selhurst Park.
With it now being the business end of the season, there remains plenty to play for up and down the Premier League. With a good run of results in the final seven games Palace could get themselves involved in the battle for European places.
Having said that, the best way to secure a spot will be to win the Conference League, and there are three games left to navigate to achieve that with a real sense that the attentions turn to the competition over the Premier League.
Oliver Glasner will need to strike a balance within the squad heading into the visit of West Ham, a fixture that will be number 51 for Palace in all competitions so far this season.
Match Preview
Premier League | Monday 20 April 2026 | Kick-off: 8:00pm BST
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
Live on: Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
🔍 Match Context
This London derby arrives at a fascinating moment for both clubs. Crystal Palace sit 13th on 42 points, relatively safe and buoyed by an impressive European run, while West Ham United, 17th on 32 points, are locked in a tense relegation battle and desperate for results.
Palace come into the game after progressing to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals, despite a narrow defeat away to Fiorentina, showcasing depth and resilience under Oliver Glasner. West Ham, meanwhile, travel south full of confidence after a commanding 4–0 victory over Wolves, a result that briefly lifted them out of the bottom three.
📊 Recent Form
Crystal Palace
- Lost just one of their last seven league matches
- Unbeaten in their last six home games at Selhurst Park
- Scoring consistently in recent outings
West Ham United
- Only two defeats in their last eight Premier League games
- Strong on the counter-attack under Nuno Espírito Santo
- Recent defensive improvement, highlighted by the Wolves clean sheet
🧠 Tactical Overview
- Palace are likely to line up in a 3-4-3, with wing-backs Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell providing width and energy. Expect them to dominate possession and push West Ham back, especially early on.
- West Ham should stick with their 4-2-3-1, sitting compact and looking to break quickly through Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, with Taty Castellanos leading the line.
The key battle may be in midfield, where Palace’s passing control must cope with West Ham’s physicality and transition threat.
🩺 Team News
Crystal Palace
- ❌ Eddie Nketiah (injured)
- ❓ Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix doubts after recent knocks
- ✅ Jean-Philippe Mateta back fit and in good scoring form
West Ham United
- ❌ Łukasz Fabiański (back injury)
- ✅ Summerville and Castellanos both fit and coming off strong performances
⚔️ Head-to-Head
- Palace have won the last two league meetings, including a 2–1 away win earlier this season
- West Ham historically have a slight edge overall, but Palace have enjoyed recent dominance
⭐ Players to Watch
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (Palace): Central to Palace’s attack; physical, in-form, and dangerous at home.
- Jarrod Bowen (West Ham): Creative spark and counter-attacking outlet; vital to West Ham’s survival hopes.
- Taty Castellanos (West Ham): Fresh from a brace against Wolves and full of confidence.
Officials
- Referee: Darren England
- Assistants: Scott Ledger, Akil Howson
- Fourth official: Matt Donohue
- VAR: James Bell
- Assistant VAR: Blake Antrobus
🔮 Prediction
With Palace’s home strength and relative freedom contrasting West Ham’s urgency, this feels tight. Palace may rotate slightly with Europe in mind, which could play into West Ham’s hands.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1–1 West Ham
A draw that helps Palace continue steady progress, but leaves West Ham still nervously looking over their shoulder.
