In brief
The Hammers host Crystal Palace in what is their second London derby out of a series of four. Having drawn against Tottenham last weekend, Sam Allardyce’s men will next face Chelsea and Arsenal.
Despite enjoying a good run of performances in the league, Allardyce’s men have been short changed in terms of a points return. The Hammers are currently eighth with 39 points from 26 games.
Crystal Palace have enjoyed an upswing since former Eagles player Alan Pardew took over after leaving Newcastle United.
Currently 13th with 27 points, there is still a bit of work to do before relegation fears can be put to bed, however they have taken big strides to ensure Premier League survival with wins over Tottenham, Burnley and Leicester City.
Who are they?
The Eagles were founded as The Crystal Palace in 1905 to introduce a team to the local area, whose people regularly supported the FA Cup final in numbers when it was played in the Crystal Palace Park.
They initially joined the Southern League before becoming members of the Football League Third Division in 1920. Palace reached the top flight for the first time in 1969 and were FA Cup runners-up in 1990.
Although they have spent more time in the second tier in recent years, they won promotion to the Barclays Premier League via the play-offs in 2013 and enjoyed a successful return to the highest level, finishing eleventh last term.
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers are blessed with a relatively clean bill of health as apart from strikers Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll, Sam Allardyce has a nearly full squad to pick from.
France midfielder Morgan Amalfitano is serving the second game of a three-match ban.
New signing Nene is likely to feature as a substitute as Allardyce hinted at the Brazilian’s inclusion in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Crystal Palace
Alan Pardew has a few injury concerns to think about with Frazier Campbell, Marouane Chamakh and Yaya Sanago all struggling with hamstring injuries.
As well as that, the Eagles could be without James McArthur (hip), Jerome Thomas and Jonathan Williams (pelvis).
Referee
Saturday's referee is Mike Dean. The experienced referee made his Premier League debut almost 15 years ago, and has refereed 354 games in total.
This season, Dean has taken charge of three West Ham league games – the 3-1 home defeat to Southampton, the 1-0 win over Newcastle United and the 1-1 away draw with Swansea City.
In total this season, Dean has officiated 18 league games, giving 78 yellow cards and four reds.
Saturday’s assistant referees are Darren England and Simon Long, Kevin Friend is the fourth official.
One to watch
West Ham United
Diafra Sakho made his West Ham debut against Crystal Palace in the 3-1 win at Selhurst Park at the start of the season, going close to scoring.
Since then Sakho’s impact in a Claret and Blue shirt has been well documented. Having scored against Tottenham last season, his 11th in all competitions, Sakho will want to add to his impressive debut season tally.
25-year-old winger Yannick Bolasie has had a fantastic season for the Eagles, in fact his development since they were promoted from the Championship has been hugely impressive.
The DR Congo international is now one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. His turn of pace and trickery is something the Hammers will have to contain if they are to get all three points on Saturday.
Tickets
Tickets for this match have all SOLD OUT. The last remaining tickets for West Ham’s next home game against Chelsea on Wednesday 4 March are available here.Travel
With planned part closures on the Circle and western portion of the District lines and London Overground, please visit the TFL website here to plan your journey.
On Greater Anglia, there are no trains between Colchester and Stratford on Saturday. A replacement bus service runs from Colchester to Billericay, where passengers can catch another train to London.
Further information can be found here.
Weather
The weather for Saturday lunchtime is forecast to be a cloudy day with chances of rain before kick off. Temperature will be 9C (48c).Last home meeting
West Ham fell victim to a brace of 1-0 defeats at Crystal Palace's hands last season, with the most recent home meeting being settled by a Mile Jedinak penalty following Pablo Armero's foul on Cameron Jerome.West Ham United 0-1 Crystal Palace
Barclays Premier League
19 April 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, McCartney, Tomkins, Reid, Armero, Noble, Diame, Jarvis (C.Cole 70), Nolan (Nocerino 85), Downing (J.Cole 78), Carroll
Subs: Taylor, O'Brien, Jaaskelainen, Johnson
Crystal Palace: Speroni, Mariappa, Ward, Dikgacoi, Dann, Delaney, Puncheon (Gabbidon 87), Jedinak, Jerome (Murray 82), Ledley, Bolasie (Parr 90)
Subs: Ince, Gayle, Murray, Hennessey, Guedioura
Goal: Jedinak pen 59