Premier League 2025-2026: West Ham-Crystal Palace, the likely lineups

Seven challenges will light up Saturday’s Premier League 2025-26: the fifth day is set to offer spectacle, with one of London’s many derbies, the one that will pit West Ham and Crystal Palace against each other, also on the schedule. The whistle will be blown at 4 p.m., at the same time as three other matches.

West Ham has started the season badly: out of five official matches played so far, they have won only one. The other four ended in heavy defeats, highlighting the defensive problems of the Graham Potter-coached team. The only success came on the road against a Nottingham Forest in full crisis, already with a new coach despite the fact that it is only September. In summary, the situation is critical and a turnaround is needed. The 4-2-3-1 with Lucas Paquetá as false nine has not worked as hoped.

A different scenario for Crystal Palace, which currently boasts the best defense in the league with just one goal conceded. The system of play set up by Olivier Glasner is working well, thanks in part to a solid backroom, with players like Richards, Lacroix and Guehi providing great reliability, especially considering the level of the club. Despite the buzzing market, many have stayed, including Mateta, who has been hinted at Atalanta as a possible heir to Retegui but remained in the Premier.

Probable lineups

West Ham (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf; Irving, Ward-Prowse; Bowen, Mateus Fernandes, Summerville; Lucas Paquetá. Coach: Potter.

Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Muñoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Yeremi Pino, Kamada; Mateta. Coach: Glasner.