One defeat in their last five games may not look bad on paper, but the manner of their last three performances is what is concerning those at Selhurst Park. As a result, with three games in quick succession, Crystal Palace need a win at home to West Ham United on Boxing Day.
Crystal Palace Need a Win Against West Ham on Boxing Fay
Plagued By Injuries, Roy Hodgson is Down to the Bare Bones
Crystal Palace have had their fair share of injuries so far this season. So much so, two of their starting 11 against Newcastle United played the entirety of the game carrying an injury.
It is in defence where they are most struck down. Joel Ward is missing at right-back, meaning Martin Kelly is deputising there once more. Gary Cahill and Scott Dann are both sidelined through injury. However, their crisis at the heart of defence will be eased with the likely return of Mamadou Sakho against West Ham. Meanwhile, Patrick van Aanholt scraped through their defeat to Newcastle despite not being fully fit.
As a result, it could yet be another makeshift line-up against the Hammers. Changes in could also come further up the pitch, with Roy Hodgson keen to prevent further injuries over the Christmas period
West Ham Team News
Manuel Pellegrini will be forced to make one change as West Ham make the short trip to south London. Right-back Ryan Fredericks is suspended, meaning he will likely be replaced by Pablo Zabaleta.
Elsewhere, it is unclear as of yet as to whether Lukasz Fabianski will return in goal for the Hammers. His boss will be hoping he is fit, as both Roberto and David Martin have looked unsteady deputising for Fabianski.
West Have Enjoyed Their Trips to Crystal Palace in Recent Years
While Palace got the edge over their London rivals earlier in the season, West Ham will be hoping that they continue their impressive run at Selhurst Park.
The Hammers are undefeated in their last five visits, winning three of them. December 2013 was the last time they were defeated by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, where a single Marouane Chamakh goal sealed a win for the Eagles.
Prediction
Crystal Palace 1-1 West Ham United
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