West Ham will be desperate for their first home win of the season when they welcome unbeaten Crystal Palace to the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Hammers have endured a poor start under Graham Potter, losing heavily to Tottenham last weekend. With just three points from four games, they sit 18th and already look short on confidence.
Lucas Paqueta remains their main spark, but defensive frailties have been their biggest issue. They have conceded more goals than any other Premier League side in 2025/26.
In contrast, Palace arrive in fine spirits after extending their unbeaten start across all competitions. Oliver Glasner’s men edged past Millwall on penalties in midweek and remain solid in the league, conceding only once in four matches.
The Eagles may have lost Eberechi Eze over the summer, but their organisation and resilience have kept them competitive.
History is also on Palace’s side, as they are unbeaten in their last six visits to West Ham, including a 2-0 win here last season. With momentum behind them, the visitors will fancy their chances, while the pressure only grows on Potter to deliver a much-needed result.
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West Ham United vs. Crystal Palace lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
West Ham will be without Tomas Soucek, who starts a three-match ban after his red card against Tottenham.
That leaves Graham Potter searching for a midfield partner for James Ward-Prowse, with Soungoutou Magassa in line for his first Premier League start.
Elsewhere, the Hammers have no major injury concerns, though youngster George Earthy remains a doubt after sustaining a knock.
West Ham predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): Hermansen (GK) — Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf — Ward-Prowse, Paqueta — Bowen, Fernandes, Summerville — Wilson
Injured: Earthy (doubtful)
Suspended: Soucek
Palace have fitness worries over Adam Wharton and Eddie Nketiah, who are both doubtful for the trip to East London with muscle and hamstring issues.
Ismaila Sarr is ruled out until later this month, with a return targeted against Liverpool. On a positive note, defender Chadi Riad is making progress in his recovery from a long-term knee injury and could be back in the squad soon.
Crystal Palace predicted starting XI (3-4-3): Henderson (GK) — Richards, Lacroix, Guehi — Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell — Pino, Kamada, Mateta
Injured: Adam Wharton (muscle, doubt), Eddie Nketiah (hamstring, doubt), Ismaila Sarr, Chadi Riad (knee)
Suspended: None
West Ham United vs. Crystal Palace match details
- Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
- Kickoff time: 3:00 p.m. local / 10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT
- Location: London Stadium (UK)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Tony Harrington
- VAR: Nick Hopton
