West Ham vs Crystal Palace: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Upton Park

Carlton Cole resumes West Ham's two goal advantage after 62 minutes much to the dismay of the home supporters. (Getty Images)

Both of these sides were bitterly unlucky not to get better results last weekend against London rivals as West Ham conceded a controversial injury-time equaliser from the spot against Spurs, whilst Palace fought back courageously to almost grab a draw at home against Arsenal.

Sam Allardyce’s future has been in question again over recent weeks as the Hammers have only recorded one league win since Christmas but a large number of injuries haven’t helped his cause, leading him to bring in former PSG striker Nene who could feature on Saturday.

Alan Pardew hailed his team’s performances against Arsenal as ‘the best they’ve played under him’ after they were only a post widths away from revering a two-goal deficit to snatch a point.

He’ll know that his side will need more of that fighting spirit at Upton Park as it has proven a tricky place to go this year, but as the relegation zone creeps up on them they need to start picking up points sooner rather than later.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Crystal Palace 1 (Chamakh) West Ham 3 (Zarate, Downing, Cole), Premier League, August 2014

West Ham 0 Crystal Palace 1 (Jedinak), Premier League, April 2014

Crystal Palace 1 (Chamakh) West Ham 0, Premier League, December 2013

STATS…

West Ham have lost just one of their last 11 home games in the Premier League.

Diafra Sakho is the Hammers top scorer this year with nine league goals.

Crystal Palace have conceded 17 goals against teams in the top half, only Burnley have shipped more (24).

Palace have won their last two away games in the league, but have only won three all season.

ODDS…

West Ham to win: 2.1

Crystal Palace to win: 4

Draw: 3.5

TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 12.45pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm