{"id":538791,"date":"2019-12-24T04:00:43","date_gmt":"2019-12-24T09:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=538791"},"modified":"2019-12-23T13:49:28","modified_gmt":"2019-12-23T18:49:28","slug":"crystal-palace-need-a-boxing-day-win-at-home-to-west-ham-united","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/12\/24\/crystal-palace-need-a-boxing-day-win-at-home-to-west-ham-united\/","title":{"rendered":"Crystal Palace Need a Boxing Day Win at Home to West Ham United"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a> need a win at home to West Ham United<\/a> on Boxing Day.<\/p>\n

Crystal Palace Need a Win Against West Ham on Boxing Fay<\/h2>\n

Plagued By Injuries, Roy Hodgson is Down to the Bare Bones<\/h3>\n

Crystal Palace have had their fair share of injuries so far this season. So much so, two of their starting 11 against Newcastle United<\/a> played the entirety of the game carrying an injury.<\/p>\n

It is in defence where they are most struck down. Joel Ward<\/a> is missing at right-back, meaning Martin Kelly<\/a> is deputising there once more. Gary Cahill<\/a> and Scott Dann<\/a> are both sidelined through injury. However, their crisis at the heart of defence will be eased with the likely return of Mamadou Sakho<\/a> against West Ham. Meanwhile, Patrick van Aanholt<\/a> scraped through their defeat to Newcastle despite not being fully fit.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

West Ham Team News<\/h3>\n

Manuel Pellegrini will be forced to make one change as West Ham make the short trip to south London. Right-back Ryan Fredericks<\/a> is suspended, meaning he will likely be replaced by Pablo Zabaleta<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, it is unclear as of yet as to whether Lukasz Fabianski<\/a> will return in goal for the Hammers. His boss will be hoping he is fit, as both Roberto<\/a> and David Martin<\/a> have looked unsteady deputising for Fabianski.<\/p>\n

West Have Enjoyed Their Trips to Crystal Palace in Recent Years<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Prediction<\/h3>\n

Crystal Palace 1-1 West Ham United<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>