Will West Ham lose their second EPL game this season?… Crystal Palace’s Predicted Lineup against West Ham revealed, as new signings join the Starting XI.

Predicted Crystal Palace Line-Up to Face West Ham

Crystal Palace is preparing for their first home game of the season at Selhurst Park, hoping to bounce back from a disappointing opening loss to Brentford. However, manager Oliver Glasner faces challenges as he confirms the absence of key players Joachim Andersen and Jordan Ayew, who are close to completing moves to Fulham and Leicester City, respectively.

Injury and Transfer Updates

Joachim Andersen’s move to Fulham and Jordan Ayew’s impending transfer to Leicester City mean neither player will be available for the match against West Ham. Glasner addressed these developments in his pre-match press conference, stating, “Joachim won’t be available tomorrow. He’s in final negotiations [with Fulham]. The same with Jordan Ayew [and Leicester].”

Adding to the squad’s difficulties, Will Hughes will miss the match due to illness, and Matheus Franca is sidelined with a broken rib. Despite these setbacks, Glasner remains confident in the squad’s ability to compete.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Dean Henderson is expected to start in goal once again. Henderson, who joined the Eagles recently, will aim to improve his performance following a lackluster display against Brentford. His leadership at the back will be crucial for Palace, especially with changes in the defensive line.

With Andersen unavailable, Chris Richards is likely to retain his place in central defense. Richards’ versatility and reliability make him a key figure in the backline. Partnering him will be Marc Guehi, who is also the subject of transfer speculation. For now, Guehi is set to start, providing stability and experience to the defense.

Chadi Riad, a summer signing, is expected to step in for the departing Andersen. This will be Riad’s first competitive start for Palace, and he will be eager to impress. The young defender, who joined from Barcelona, brings a mix of physicality and tactical awareness to the side.

At right wing-back, Daniel Munoz is the favored choice. Munoz has become a regular under Glasner, known for his defensive diligence and ability to support the attack. On the opposite flank, Tyrick Mitchell is set to continue at left wing-back. Mitchell’s role remains vital, especially given the uncertainty around incoming transfers for additional left-back options.

Midfield

In the midfield, Jefferson Lerma will likely replace Will Hughes, who is out due to illness. Lerma’s experience and physical presence make him a valuable asset in breaking up opposition play and initiating counter-attacks. His inclusion will be crucial in maintaining balance and solidity in the midfield.

Adam Wharton is expected to partner with Lerma. Wharton had a solid performance in the opening game against Brentford and will look to build on that. His ability to distribute the ball and support both defense and attack makes him an integral part of Glasner’s plans.

Attack

Ebere Eze will once again be the creative focal point for Palace. With the potential departures of other key players, Eze’s role becomes even more crucial. His dribbling skills, vision, and ability to score from set pieces will be essential against a well-organized West Ham side. Eze had a free-kick goal disallowed in the match against Brentford, and he will be eager to make a decisive impact this time.

Daichi Kamada will play alongside Eze, providing additional creativity and goal-scoring threat. Kamada showed glimpses of his quality in his debut, and the fans will be looking forward to seeing more from the Japanese international. His partnership with Eze could prove to be a game-changer for Palace if they can find the right chemistry.

Up front, Jean-Philippe Mateta is likely to lead the line. Mateta, who had a decent season last year, will aim to find the back of the net and kickstart his campaign. Known for his physicality and finishing ability, Mateta will be a handful for the West Ham defense. His performance could be key to securing a positive result for Palace.

Overall Strategy and Outlook

Crystal Palace will be keen to secure their first win of the season, especially in front of their home crowd. With a mix of established players and new signings, Glasner will look to find the right balance and chemistry on the field. The absence of Andersen and Ayew will be felt, but the depth in the squad provides Glasner with enough options to field a competitive side.

The match against West Ham presents an opportunity for players like Chadi Riad to make their mark. Riad’s performance in defense will be under scrutiny, given his inexperience at this level. The young defender will need to quickly adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League to ensure stability at the back.

The midfield battle will be crucial, with Lerma and Wharton tasked with controlling the tempo of the game and shielding the defense. Their ability to disrupt West Ham’s play and transition quickly into attack will be key components of Palace’s strategy.

In attack, the onus will be on Eze and Kamada to create opportunities and break down a potentially resolute West Ham defense. Their movement, passing, and ability to exploit spaces will be vital for Palace’s offensive play. Mateta’s role as the central striker will require him to be alert and clinical, taking advantage of any chances that come his way.

Conclusion

Crystal Palace’s predicted line-up to face West Ham reflects both the challenges and opportunities the team faces early in the season. With key players set to depart and injuries affecting the squad, Glasner’s ability to adapt and make the most of his available resources will be crucial. The match against West Ham is not only a chance to earn three points but also an opportunity to establish a cohesive team dynamic moving forward. As Palace look to bounce back from their opening day defeat, the performance at Selhurst Park will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.