West Ham and Crystal Palace Clash in Premier League Showdown

LONDON, England — West Ham United and Crystal Palace will face off in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at the London Stadium on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Both teams are looking to secure back-to-back victories as they aim to climb the league table.

West Ham, managed by Graham Potter, are coming off a 3-2 victory over Fulham, which marked Potter’s Premier League debut with the club. The Hammers currently sit 13th in the league, 10 points clear of the relegation zone. Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, including a 2-0 win against Leicester City. The Eagles are 15th in the table, eight points above the drop zone.

This match holds added significance for Crystal Palace, who are seeking revenge after a 2-0 defeat to West Ham in their previous encounter at Selhurst Park in August 2024. West Ham, meanwhile, are aiming to complete a league double over Palace for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

West Ham’s attacking trio of Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, and Niclas Füllkrug remain sidelined due to injuries, but Lucas Paquetá, who scored twice against Fulham, is expected to lead the line. Crystal Palace will assess the fitness of key players, including Will Hughes and Jordan Ayew, who were affected by illness in their last match.

Historically, matches between these two teams have been high-scoring affairs, with both teams finding the net in 14 of their last 15 Premier League meetings. West Ham have scored in each of their last 21 league games against Palace, their longest scoring streak against any opponent in top-flight history.

Referee Thomas Bramall will officiate the match, with VAR support from Alex Chilowicz. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. UK time.