Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
West Ham United and Crystal Palace are closely matched, reflected in their similar positions in the league table, separated by only two points and two places.
West Ham United
Despite Crystal Palace having hovered near the relegation zone for some time, it is West Ham United that have faced massive defensive issues. Conceding 41 goals across 21 matches averages nearly two per game, a level akin to the three bottom clubs, who have more goals conceded. Heavy defeats like 2:5 to Arsenal and 0:5 to Liverpool are expected against leaders, but few mid-table sides crumble like that. Even in Graham Potter's first victory with Fulham, the team conceded twice (3:2). Approaching the clash with Crystal Palace, West Ham United have been struck with problems up front: three key forwards — Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, and Niclas Füllkrug — will be unavailable. The team managed without them against Fulham; they scored all three of their shots on target from just four attempts while limiting Fulham's 21 shots to just five on target.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace don't typically score a lot themselves. Their usual maximum is two, but they concede noticeably less (28 in 21 matches), even more so than Manchester City. In the previous round, they secured a vital away victory against Leicester City (2:0). That marked their fourth away match where Crystal Palace scored two goals, their fifth with any goals scored, and their sixth without a loss (three wins and three draws).
West Ham United vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Given West Ham United's attacking losses, their defensive vulnerabilities, and Crystal Palace's improved away form, Crystal Palace have a strong chance to at least grab a draw. Taking a neutral handicap on the visitors is slightly risky, but we're opting for it.
