After a shaky start to the season, West Ham are hitting their stride. Defeat at Everton on the 18th of September left them languishing in the Premier League's bottom three, but David Moyes' side have enjoyed a big upturn in form ever since, with six wins from their last nine outings domestically and in Europe.
The Irons now sit comfortably in mid-table and, having already guaranteed top spot in their Europa Conference League group, were able to rest a number of key players for their midweek trip to Romania, where they eased past FCSB 3-0.
The likes of Declan Rice, Gianluca Scamacca and Jarrod Bowen will all be grateful for the break in this abnormally condensed season where matches are coming thick and fast.
This weekend's assignment sees the Irons take on London rivals Crystal Palace, a side they have had the better of in recent times. Palace have won just two of the last fourteen meetings - a double in 2019/20 - and none of the last four.
Patrick Vieira is enjoying a very decent second season at Palace so far, as they currently sit in 10th place in the league, though they are much more impressive at Selhurst Park than anywhere else: the Eagles are yet to win a game on the road this season.
Their displays away from home may have lacked the verve and swagger of their Selhurst form, but they are still not easy to beat - Everton are the only team outside of the 'big six' to take three points off them so far.
There have been some truly spectacular goals in this fixture in recent times; overhead kicks from Andy Carroll and Sebastian Haller for the Hammers, and Jordan Ayew's sublime individual effort for Palace. Observers will be hoping there are more in store this Sunday.
Team News
West Ham
West Ham could welcome back Lucas Paqueta, who returned to training this week following a collarbone injury. Nayef Aguerd played his first 90 minutes for the club in the Conference League and may be in line for a first league appearance.
Lukasz Fabianski is expected to be fit despite being taken off at half-time with a knee injury in last week's defeat to Manchester United.
Crystal Palace
Patrick Vieira confirmed that Cheick Doucoure and Odsonne Edouard will both require late fitness tests after both returned to training this week following minor injuries.
James MacArthur and Nathan Ferguson remain sidelined.
Likely Lineups
West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Fabianski; Kehrer, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell; Rice, Paqueta; Bowen, Fornals, Benrahma; Scamacca.
Crystal Palace (4-3-3)
Guaita; Ward, Guehi, Andersen, Mitchell; Milivojevic, Schlupp, Eze; Ayew, Olise, Zaha.
Key Players
West Ham - Declan Rice
It's easy to forget that Declan Rice is just 23 years old. The midfielder has already racked up 213 appearances for the Hammers after making his debut in 2017, as well as gaining 37 England caps.
Injuries permitting, he will be one of the first names on the team sheet for Gareth Southgate's men when they kick off their World Cup campaign in just over two weeks' time, and with good reason. Rice has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league.
His razor-sharp passing has always been a strength - his average pass completion rate of 89.7% puts him in the top 5% among all midfielders in Europe - and he has now added a dynamism and energy to his game that frequently sees him as the main driver for West Ham attacks.
With Crystal Palace likely to be without the outstanding Cheick Doucoure this weekend, there is an opportunity for Rice to show his class, dominate the midfield and inspire a home win.
Crystal Palace - Jordan Ayew
Jordan Ayew may be the best defensive forward in the Premier League. He certainly isn't one of its' elite attackers - with just four goals and six assists since August 2020, the Ghanaian doesn't exactly have Erling Haaland looking over his shoulder in the golden boot race.
What he brings to the Palace team is a willingness to track back, press when he is asked to, and ability to get the ball up the pitch from deep positions. Ayew makes 2.37 tackles per game, which puts him in the top 1% of all his peers in Europe's big 5 leagues.
Hammers fans may also fear him for more than just his defensive qualities. He scored a magnificent last-minute winner against them at Selhurst Park in late 2019, having done the same thing to them at the London Stadium two months earlier - albeit in less spectacular fashion.
If Palace's away performances this season are anything to go by, they will likely be under the cosh in this one for long spells, and Ayew's tenacity and work-rate will be critical if the Eagles are to take anything from the game.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at the London Stadium, Stratford, East London.
What time is kick-off?
The game kicks off at 2PM on Sunday 6th November.
How can I watch?
Although this game has been moved to Sunday due to West Ham's involvement in the Europa Conference League, it will not be broadcast anywhere on television in the UK.
