The capital hosts one of the more intriguing games at the weekend as two London rivals do battle once again. West Ham United travel the short trip over to Selhurst Park in the hope of continuing their European aspirations. Crystal Palace are all but mathematically. safe from the relegation zone.
Location: Selhurst Park
Date: 21/04/24
Kick-off: 3:00 PM
Crystal Palace decided that Roy Hodgson’s tenure was no longer required earlier on this season and they decided to approach Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner to take over the helm at Selhurst Park. It was important for Palace to make this change as fresh impetus was needed at the club and the Austrian has made a moderate yet unremarkable start in his short time at the club.
Since his arrival, Glasner has a mixed record of two wins, two draws and three losses. Under his management, Crystal Palace have averaged 1.14 points per game with him as manager. It is worth noting also, that his predecessor Roy Hodgson only averaged a point per game his season from 24 games played.
Crystal Palace are currently 14th after 32 games played – averaging roughly 1.1 points per game in the Premier League.
Defensively is where the issues lie for Crystal Palace this season. The Eagles have conceded 54 goals in 32 games – averaging 1.68 goals conceded per game. Crystal Palace are in no danger realistically of falling towards the teams below because of their superior points difference to the teams below.
The hosts are seven points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town, with a game in hand. Brentford could overtake the Eagles at the weekend although Palace can gain that place back with their game in hand. West Ham United are once again harbouring aspirations of European Football under David Moyes despite some fan unrest regarding his style of football. The Hammers find themselves eighth in the league and only two points behind Manchester United who are seventh.
David Moyes’s side are still in European competition as they have a 2-0 deficit to overturn against recently crowned Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen. Under David Moyes, the Hammers could move to as high as sixth next weekend with Manchester United playing Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final. They would also require Newcastle United to drop points, although the Magpies have a game in hand midweek. West Ham United have accumulated 48 points from 33 games this season – averaging 1.45 points per game. In the attacking areas, they’ve scored 52 goals and have conceded 58 overall.
The reverse fixture this season ended in a 1-1 draw. Mohammed Kudus had his goal cancelled out by Odsonne Edouard’s equaliser.