West Ham vs. Crystal Palace Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 20 September 2025

Amid the fifth round of the Premier League, West Ham will square off against Crystal Palace at the London Stadium on 20 September 2025, with the match kicking off at 15:00. Referee Tony Harrington will oversee the proceedings.

West Ham, currently sitting 18th with just 3 points, is in desperate need of turning around their form, having won only one of their last five matches. Coach Graham Potter is under pressure, especially after the latest 3-0 loss to Tottenham. However, the Hammers will miss Tomas Soucek due to suspension, which could impact their midfield dynamism.

Crystal Palace, at 9th with 6 points, enters the tie as the bookmaker’s favourite, boasting stronger recent performances with 3 clean sheets in their last 5 games. Jean-Philippe Mateta has been catching everyone’s eye, including interest from Manchester United, thanks to his consistent goal-scoring. Marc Guehi’s solid defensive display also stands out, making Palace a tough nut to crack.

Our recommended bet is for Crystal Palace to win, given their disciplined defensive structure and effective counter-attacks, which are likely to exploit West Ham’s vulnerabilities. Marking Crystal Palace’s victory in their last away match precisely 0-2 adds a psychological advantage.

West Ham vs Crystal Palace Prediction & Betting tip

West Ham vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Crystal Palace to win	2.38

• Crystal Palace’s disciplined defensive structure should trouble West Ham’s possession-oriented style.
• Palace’s efficient counter-attacks make them likely to exploit West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities.
• Recent performances show Crystal Palace is in better form with 3 clean sheets in their last 5 games, compared to West Ham’s single win and multiple heavy losses.

Expect Crystal Palace to control the tempo and capitalize on West Ham’s recent form, with the bookmakers also favouring an away win. Given Palace’s effective counters and the Hammers’ defensive frailties, an away win seems highly plausible.

West Ham vs Crystal Palace Odds

The upcoming Premier League clash between West Ham and Crystal Palace sees the visiting team, Crystal Palace, as the slight favourite. With the match-day drawing closer, here’s how the odds look:

West Ham vs Crystal Palace Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
West Ham United to win	2.99
Draw	3.33
Crystal Palace to win	2.38

Given the form and recent performances, it’s not surprising that the bookmakers are leaning towards a Crystal Palace victory. The minor edge in odds reflects Palace’s disciplined defence and consistent form.

Do consider that West Ham has struggled in recent games, particularly against strong oppositions like Tottenham, while Crystal Palace has been more resilient with several clean sheets. This makes the away win more appealing for those looking to place a smart bet.

West Ham Team Analysis

West Ham Recent Performance

West Ham’s recent form has been quite underwhelming, to say the least. Their last five matches paint a stark picture with a record of LLLWL.

• Last 5 Matches:
• Loss vs Tottenham (0 – 3)
• Win vs Nottingham Forest (3 – 0)
• Loss vs Wolverhampton (EFL Cup, 2 – 3)
• Loss vs Chelsea (1 – 5)
• Loss vs Sunderland (0 – 3)

Despite scoring an average of 1.20 goals per game in their last five outings, the Hammers have only managed to secure one clean sheet. This combination of poor results leaves them in the 18th position with just 3 points.

Their persistent defensive issues were on full display against Tottenham and Chelsea, and the suspension of Tomas Soucek only amplifies their midfield woes. With an imminent clash against an in-form Crystal Palace, coach Graham Potter has his hands full trying to rally his squad to a better performance.

West Ham Key Players

West Ham will be depending heavily on their star players to turn the tide against Crystal Palace. Lucas Paqueta, the team’s top scorer with 2 goals so far, will be crucial in spearheading the attack. His playmaking abilities and presence in the attacking third could be the difference-maker.

The expected lineup for West Ham:

• Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen
• Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, El Hadji Malick Diouf
• Midfielders: Mateus Fernandes, Jamie Ward-Prowse, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Crysencio Summerville
• Center Forward: Niclas Füllkrug

Paqueta’s tussle with Crystal Palace’s solid defensive line led by Marc Guehi could be a pivotal battle. Jarrod Bowen on the right wing will also aim to create chances, exploiting any weaknesses in the Palace defence. Given West Ham’s desperate need for points, individual brilliance may be their best hope.

West Ham Suspensions & Injuries

West Ham will enter the match with a few key absentees. Tomas Soucek’s suspension following a red card significantly weakens the midfield, removing a vital defensive presence and physicality.
Additionally, George Earthy is a doubtful inclusion due to a knock injury, further limiting Graham Potter’s options.

• Suspensions:
• Tomas Soucek (Red card – Banned 3 matches remaining)
• Injuries:
• George Earthy (Knock injury – Potential return doubtful)

These absences heighten the challenge for West Ham, who will need to look to their depth and adaptability to cope with the strong midfield and attacking threats posed by Crystal Palace.

West Ham Tactics and Formation

Despite recent struggles, West Ham will likely stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation as they face Crystal Palace.
West Ham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen
• Back Four: Kyle Walker-Peters, Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos, El Hadji Malick Diouf
• Midfield Duo: Mateus Fernandes, Jamie Ward-Prowse
• Attacking Trio: Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Crysencio Summerville
• Center Forward: Niclas Füllkrug

Without Tomas Soucek, the onus will be on Ward-Prowse and Fernandes to shore up the midfield. Paqueta, their top scorer, will be key in linking play from midfield to attack, supported by the pace of Bowen and Summerville on the wings. Füllkrug will aim to spearhead the attacks and be a target man in the box.

Expect West Ham to rely on quick transitions and exploiting the flanks while maintaining a solid defensive structure to counter Crystal Palace’s offensive threats.

Crystal Palace Team Analysis

Crystal Palace Recent Performance

Crystal Palace head into the match in relatively strong form, having avoided defeat in their last five games (DDWDW).

• Last 5 Matches:
• Draw vs Millwall (1 – 1) (Won 4-2 on penalties)
• Draw vs Sunderland (0 – 0)
• Win vs Aston Villa (3 – 0)
• Draw vs Fredrikstad (0 – 0) (Conference League Qualification)
• Draw vs Nottingham Forest (1 – 1)

Palace have shown a solid defensive performance, securing 3 clean sheets and averaging 1.80 goals scored per game in their last five matches. Their disciplined defensive play, coupled with their sharp counter-attacks, makes them a formidable opponent. The presence of players like Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is in good form, only adds to their attacking edge. Crystal Palace currently sit in 9th place with 6 points, reflecting a steady start to their Premier League campaign.

Crystal Palace Key Players

Crystal Palace’s solid form leading into this match has been significantly influenced by key performers:

• Jean-Philippe Mateta: The striker, who has attracted interest from Manchester United, has scored 2 goals this season. His physical presence and ability to find the net make him a constant threat.
• Marc Guehi: The defender has been a rock at the back, helping Palace secure 3 clean sheets in their last 5 matches. Clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly eyeing him for his stellar performances.
• Daichi Kamada: The creative midfielder, essential in linking the transition from defence to attack and possessing the vision to break West Ham’s lines.

Expected lineup for Crystal Palace:

• Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
• Defenders: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi
• Midfielders: Daniel Munoz, Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma, Tyrick Mitchell, Yeremy Pino, Daichi Kamada
• Center Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta

Key individual battles to watch include Mateta against West Ham’s centre-backs and Kamada’s creative influence against a weakened Hammers midfield.

Crystal Palace Suspensions & Injuries

Crystal Palace are dealing with a notable list of injuries that could affect their depth for the upcoming game against West Ham.

Injuries:

• Chadi Riad: Knee injury – Potential return late November 2025
• Cheick Doucouré: Knee injury – Potential return early November 2025
• Edward Nketiah: Hamstring injury – Potential return mid-October 2025
• Caleb Kporha: Back injury – Potential return late September 2025
• Ismaila Sarr: Hamstring injury – Potential return late September 2025
• Adam Wharton: Muscle injury – Potential return late September 2025

Fortunately, there are no suspensions for Palace. However, the absence of key players like Sarr and Doucouré may hinder their attacking and midfield capabilities. The team will have to rely on their squad depth and tactical flexibility to cover these gaps. This could put extra pressure on players like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marc Guehi to maintain their form.

Crystal Palace Tactics and Formation

Crystal Palace, guided by Oliver Glasner, have been consistent in their tactical setup and will likely stick to their preferred formation for the match against West Ham.
Crystal Palace Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
• Midfield Duo: Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma
• Defensive Trio: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in their last five games
• Notable Strategy: Palace rely on disciplined defensive structure and quick counter-attacks to exploit spaces left by opponents, particularly effective against possession-based teams like West Ham

Crystal Palace’s effective use of wing-backs, such as Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell, offers width and allows quick transitions from defence to attack. The playmaking skills of Daichi Kamada will be crucial in breaking down West Ham’s defences.

West Ham vs Crystal Palace Head-to-Head Statistics

In their last five encounters, Crystal Palace has the upper hand against West Ham, winning three times while West Ham only managed one victory. Here’s a quick look at their recent meetings:

• West Ham 0 – 2 Crystal Palace (2025-01-18, Premier League)
• Crystal Palace 0 – 2 West Ham (2024-08-24, Premier League)
• Crystal Palace 3 – 1 West Ham (2024-08-03, Club Friendlies)
• Crystal Palace 5 – 2 West Ham (2024-04-21, Premier League)
• West Ham 1 – 1 Crystal Palace (2023-12-03, Premier League)

Crystal Palace has proven to be a tough challenge for West Ham, especially in their away fixtures. With Palace not losing to the Hammers in their last four away league matches, they will come into this fixture with a psychological advantage and a disciplined defensive setup, making them formidable opponents.

Odds accurate as of 18th September 2025 15:05, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.