Papa Bouba Diop could be the latest Hammers debutant at Selhurst Park this afternoon.
As well as Manuel Almunia being set to start in goal after his emergency loan from Arsenal, the experienced Diop may be thrown straight into the Hammers midfield. Sam Allardyce admitted there was a balance to be struck when it came to fielding players who have not had much game time.
"The lack of match practice is a Catch 22 situation," Big Sam told West Ham TV. "It is getting the games into the players but the balance is they may not be on their top form.
"Papa is fit and raring to go. At some stage we have to get him on the pitch and see what he can do. I am sure he will be a major asset. He comes into the frame with the injuries we have got, whether he starts or is on the bench is a delicate decision."
The manager's injury concerns are chiefly around Joey O'Brien and Winston Reid's hamstring troubles and Matt Taylor's calf. A few others have aches and pains with the club coming into its third game in eight days - meaning the likes of Guy Demel and Freddie Sears could also be in the thinking.
Another away victory would make all at the club feel a lot better, with a win possibly good enough for top spot in the npower Championship, and Big Sam believed Diop could play a major role in shoring up the midfield.
"It is not just about his physical presence. This is a talented footballer with very good ability. Sometimes the size of the player overshadows the ability and Papa is 6'4. But if you put good technical ability with physical presence, you have all the attributes you need for modern football."