EPL: Crystal Palace v West Ham preview

Crystal Palace v West Ham preview

West Ham will look to build on their Carabao Cup win over Tottenham when they face Crystal Palace in a huge game in the Premier League.

Boss Slaven Bilic has been under pressure for the last few weeks and his job was reportedly on the line following the 3-0 league defeat to Brighton.

The Croatian watched on as his side fell 2-0 down to Spurs on Wednesday night in the Cup, but the Hammers showed their fighting spirit to win 3-2 at Wembley.

West Ham go into the game in 16th but they will be boosted by the return of striker Andy Carroll.

The former Newcastle man was banned for the game against Brighton and he will look to partner Javier Hernandez up top. Midfielder Andre Ayew will be pushing for a start after grabbing a brace against Spurs but West Ham will have to work hard for the victory.

Palace coach Roy Hodgson will demand a response after seeing his team dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Bristol City. Hodgson used his fringe players and he looks set to name a similar team to the one that lost to Newcastle United.

Midfielder James McArthur faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock against the Magpies, while striker Christian Benteke remains out for the next five weeks.

Lee Chung-yong also remains a doubt after missing training this week but Hodgson has enough options in midfield to compete with the Hammers.

Palace have not beaten West Ham since 2015, with Bilic's side winning three of the last four meetings.