West Ham vs. Crystal Palace Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 January 2025 - bettingexpert
West Ham United and Crystal Palace square off at the London Stadium on 18 January 2025 at 15:00. With both teams in the lower half of the Premier League table, this match holds significant importance as they vie to improve their standings and steer clear of the relegation zone.
West Ham currently sits 12th with 26 points, while Crystal Palace is just behind in 14th with 24 points. The Hammers, led by newly appointed manager Graham Potter, are looking for a boost following a mixed run of form (WLLLW). Crystal Palace, on the other hand, has shown resilience, going undefeated in their last four matches (WWDWD).
Referee Thomas Bramall will oversee proceedings, and while the weather is not yet available, the atmosphere promises to be tense. Injuries also play a role, with West Ham missing key players like Michail Antonio and Fabianski, while Crystal Palace deals with minor setbacks.
Expect a tight contest; our prediction leans towards both teams scoring, considering both sides’ offensive capabilities. Graham Potter’s new tactics might give West Ham a slight edge at home, yet Crystal Palace’s solid form cannot be overlooked.
West Ham vs Crystal Palace Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for the match is “Both Teams to Score (BTTS)” at odds of 1.63. The odds suggest that both West Ham and Crystal Palace are likely to find the net during the game. Given the teams’ recent performances, offensive capabilities, and the average number of goals scored, this tip stands out as a solid prediction.
| West Ham vs Crystal Palace Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Both Teams to Score (BTTS) | 1.63 |
- Both teams have shown solid offensive capabilities, averaging 1.2 goals each in their last five matches.
- Crystal Palace is in good form, remaining unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches.
- West Ham has scored in 76% of their matches this season, indicating a strong likelihood of finding the net again.
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West Ham vs Crystal Palace Odds
Looking at the odds for this intriguing Premier League clash, bookmakers see it as a tightly contested match. West Ham and Crystal Palace are both placed mid-table, making this encounter even more unpredictable.
The odds reflect the closeness, but there are some interesting factors to consider. West Ham, under new manager Graham Potter, will be keen to secure a vital home win. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace, unbeaten in their last four matches, poses a significant challenge.
| West Ham vs Crystal Palace Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| West Ham to Win | 2.59 |
| Draw | 3.37 |
| Crystal Palace to Win | 2.68 |
With both teams showing strong offensive capabilities and recent form, these odds suggest it could go either way. Be sure to consider the potential for goals from both sides when placing your bets.
West Ham Team Analysis
West Ham Recent Performance
West Ham has experienced an inconsistent run of form recently, with two wins and three losses in their last five league matches. Their performances have been a mixed bag, reflecting their current position in the mid-table.
They have managed to score an average of 1.20 goals per game but have struggled defensively, maintaining just one clean sheet in their last five outings.
West Ham’s recent form shows that they have the potential to score, though their defense remains vulnerable, conceding consistently.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham | Aston Villa | 1-0 (Win) |
| West Ham | Wolverhampton | 0-2 (Loss) |
| West Ham | Liverpool | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Sheffield United | West Ham | 0-2 (Win) |
| West Ham | Fulham | 1-2 (Loss) |
With Graham Potter now at the helm, West Ham will be hoping to capitalize on home advantage and return to winning ways.
West Ham Key Players
West Ham’s significant players for this clash include top scorer Tomas Soucek, with five goals this season, who will be pivotal in breaking down Crystal Palace’s defense.
Another important figure is Lucas Paqueta, who embodies creativity and flair up top. With Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug out injured, the Hammers will heavily rely on Paqueta’s attacking contributions.
Łukasz Fabiański has been a stalwart between the sticks, although his doubtful status due to injury will be a concern. Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos will be crucial in defense, aiming to keep Jean-Philippe Mateta at bay.
Expected lineup for West Ham:
- Goalkeeper: Łukasz Fabiański
- Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Max Kilman, Emerson
- Midfielders: Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez, Mohammed Kudus, Tomas Soucek, Carlos Soler
- Forward: Lucas Paqueta
Key individual battles will include Paqueta against Crystal Palace’s backline and Soucek’s midfield duels with Eberechi Eze.
West Ham Suspensions & Injuries
West Ham’s injury list is quite lengthy, which could significantly impact their performance. Notable absences include Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug, both crucial attacking players. Their lack of a natural striker might make it challenging to convert chances. Emerson and Łukasz Fabiański are doubtful, potentially weakening the defense.
Here’s the current injury list:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Michail Antonio | Broken leg | Early May 2025 |
| Jarrod Bowen | Foot injury | Early March 2025 |
| Jean-Clair Todibo | Muscle injury | Late January 2025 |
| Niclas Füllkrug | Hamstring injury | Early February 2025 |
| Łukasz Fabiański | Head injury | Doubtful |
| Emerson | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
Currently, there are no suspensions to report.
West Ham Tactics and Formation
West Ham Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: With injuries affecting squad depth, expect a 4-5-1 formation.
- Key Forward: Lucas Paquetá handles the lone forward role due to the absence of strikers Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug.
- Midfield Trio: The midfield is bolstered by Tomáš Souček, Edson Álvarez, and Mohammed Kudus. Souček, as the top scorer, will look to make late runs into the box.
- Defensive Approach: With Łukasz Fabiański doubtful, the experienced Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Konstantinos Mavropanos anchor the backline.
- Notable Strategy: West Ham excels in the 46-60 and 61-75-minute intervals, indicating a strong mid-game push. This coincides with Graham Potter’s focus on modern, progressive play.
- Recent Changes: Graham Potter’s appointment aims to inspire a balanced blend of defensive solidity and attacking penetration despite recent struggles.
Crystal Palace Team Analysis
Recent Performance
Crystal Palace have been in impressive form recently, securing a solid record of two wins and three draws in their last five matches. Their unbeaten streak has lifted them to 14th place, easing some relegation fears. In these games, Palace have shown their defensive strengths, keeping three clean sheets. On average, they score 1.20 goals per match and concede 1.3 goals.
Here’s a look at their last five results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | Fulham | 1-0 (Win) |
| Crystal Palace | Southampton | 2-0 (Win) |
| Newcastle United | Crystal Palace | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Crystal Palace | Everton | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Brentford | Crystal Palace | 1-1 (Draw) |
Crystal Palace have shown resilience and capability, making them a formidable opponent for West Ham in the upcoming match.
Crystal Palace Key Players
Expected lineup for Crystal Palace:
- Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
- Defenders: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi, Daniel Munoz, Tyrick Mitchell
- Midfielders: Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma, Ismaila Sarr, Eberechi Eze
- Attackers: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace’s key players include top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has netted 6 goals this season, offering a consistent attacking threat. Eberechi Eze provides creative flair in midfield, capable of breaking down defences with his dribbling and vision.
Defensively, Marc Guehi will be crucial in containing West Ham’s forwards. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson adds stability at the back, known for his shot-stopping abilities. The individual duel between Mateta and West Ham’s defenders will be pivotal in determining the outcome.
Crystal Palace Suspensions & Injuries
Crystal Palace are dealing with a few injuries that could impact their performance against West Ham. Notably, these injuries might affect their squad rotation and depth, which is crucial given the intensity of Premier League fixtures.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Matheus França | Broken rib | Late January 2025 |
| Adam Wharton | Groin injury | Late January 2025 |
| Will Hughes | Foot injury | Doubtful |
Will Hughes’ doubtful status is particularly significant as he has been instrumental in the midfield. His potential absence might disrupt Palace’s balance in the center of the park, increasing the pressure on Jefferson Lerma and Eberechi Eze to step up.
Crystal Palace Tactics and Formation
Crystal Palace’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-5-1
- Key Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
- Midfield Units: Will Hughes (if fit), Jefferson Lerma, Ismaila Sarr, Eberechi Eze
- Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Palace tend to tighten up their defence significantly, averaging just 1.3 goals conceded per match
In their latest lineup, Palace may line up compact at the back with a strong defensive alignment featuring Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, and Mitchell.
Dean Henderson’s role as the goalkeeper will be crucial, especially given the strategic reliance on counter-attacks.
Expect them to utilize Eze and Sarr’s pace to stretch West Ham’s defence, while Mateta remains a focal point for goal-scoring opportunities.
West Ham vs Crystal Palace Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing their last five meetings paints a dynamic picture of how these two teams have fared against each other. Crystal Palace has generally had the upper hand, boasting several high-scoring victories.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | West Ham United | 0-2 |
| Crystal Palace | West Ham United | 3-1 |
| Crystal Palace | West Ham United | 5-2 |
| West Ham United | Crystal Palace | 1-1 |
| Crystal Palace | West Ham United | 4-3 |
In their most recent encounter on 24 August 2024, West Ham clinched a 2-0 away victory, indicating potential weaknesses in Palace’s defense that they may look to exploit again at London Stadium.
Odds accurate as of 16 January 2025 15:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
