West Ham United are bracing themselves for another stern test this Saturday as Crystal Palace, fresh off their historic FA Cup triumph and a rock-solid start to the Premier League season, visit the London Stadium. The Hammers, led by Graham Potter, have endured a rough opening to their 2025-26 campaign, and the absence of key full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to a stomach problem only adds to their growing list of concerns.
Potter, who addressed the media on Thursday afternoon, didn’t mince words about the team’s injury woes. “I think Aaron Wan-Bissaka will still be unavailable. It’s a problem with his stomach and hopefully he’ll be light training tomorrow or at the weekend but he won’t be available for the game,” the West Ham boss confirmed. With Wan-Bissaka sidelined, the Hammers are forced to reshuffle an already leaky defense that’s conceded a league-high 11 goals in just four outings.
That defensive frailty has contributed to West Ham’s disappointing return of just one point from a possible 12, their latest setback a bruising 3-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham. The East London side, who invested over £100 million in the summer transfer window in hopes of a turnaround, have instead slipped to the bottom of the defensive rankings and find themselves under early-season pressure. Fantasy Premier League managers have also taken note: Wan-Bissaka’s ownership has dropped to 12.5%, with his value sliding from £4.5m to £4.3m, and many are now scrambling to find a replacement ahead of Gameweek 5.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, arrive in East London riding a wave of momentum and optimism. The Eagles, who clinched their first-ever FA Cup last season, have started the new campaign with remarkable resilience. They’ve conceded just a single goal in the Premier League so far, adding another clean sheet in a recent home draw with Sunderland. Manager Oliver Glasner looks set to stick with a winning formula, with an unchanged starting eleven expected for the clash against West Ham.
That likely means another outing for the formidable centre-back trio of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guehi. Richards, who recently made headlines with a cheeky on-air comment referencing Guehi’s failed transfer to Liverpool, has been a pillar at the back. Guehi himself is enjoying a standout period; the England international was just named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Month and Goal of the Month for August after helping the club avoid defeat in six matches across all competitions, including a Community Shield victory over Liverpool and securing UEFA Conference League football. Palace kept four clean sheets in those matches, and Guehi’s leadership has been a driving force.
The recent transfer saga involving Guehi and Liverpool has become something of an inside joke at the club. During a Palace TV interview, Richards quipped, “Goal of the month from a centre-half? Big statement right there,” alluding to The Guardian’s reports of Guehi’s rumored frustration over a collapsed move to Anfield. Guehi, who has yet to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park, responded with a smirk, hinting at his ambition for more silverware and perhaps a future move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich all reportedly interested in his services when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Palace’s depth and squad rotation have also been on display in cup competitions. Just days before the West Ham fixture, the Eagles fielded a strong side with only four changes in their FA Cup tie against Millwall. Two debutants, Argentine goalkeeper Benitez and teenage defender Jaydee Canvot, were handed starts and acquitted themselves well. The match itself was a tense affair: Millwall’s Camiel Neghli missed a golden opportunity in the first half, while Palace dominated the second period and thought they’d secured victory through a close-range effort from Chris Richards. However, a dramatic late header from Millwall’s Ryan Leonard sent the tie to penalties, where Benitez, who has spent much of the season watching Dean Henderson from the bench, emerged as the hero by saving two spot-kicks to send Palace through.
Back in league action, Palace’s midfield is expected to feature the industrious pairing of Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes. Lerma, who was rested for the midweek cup match, is tipped to return to the starting eleven, especially if Adam Wharton remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. In attack, Glasner has limited options, with Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah both doubts due to hamstring issues. The predicted lineup for the Eagles includes Henderson in goal; Richards, Lacroix, and Guehi at the back; Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, and Mitchell across midfield; and a front three of Pino, Kamada, and Mateta. The latter, Jean-Philippe Mateta, will be eager to make amends after missing a crucial penalty in the FA Cup shootout, a moment that fortunately didn’t cost his side thanks to Benitez’s heroics.
For West Ham, the absence of Wan-Bissaka is particularly galling given the club’s defensive struggles. The DR Congo international was viewed as a shrewd signing ahead of the season, but his injury and subsequent dip in Fantasy value have left supporters and fantasy managers alike questioning their choices. Potter’s side will need to find answers quickly if they’re to climb out of their early-season rut, especially with a relentless Palace side standing in their way.
As the teams prepare for Saturday’s showdown, all eyes will be on whether West Ham can shore up their defense and kick-start their season, or if Crystal Palace will continue their impressive run and pile further misery on their London rivals. With Guehi’s contract situation simmering in the background and Palace’s new signings eager to impress, the stage is set for a fascinating Premier League encounter.
The action gets underway at the London Stadium this weekend, with plenty at stake for both clubs. As West Ham search for their first win and Palace look to extend their unbeaten run, fans can expect a fiercely contested affair. Whether Potter’s Hammers can turn their fortunes around or Palace’s defensive wall remains impenetrable, one thing’s for sure: there’ll be no shortage of drama in East London this Saturday.
