Preview - Crystal Palace

London Stadium

When and where?

West Ham United v Crystal Palace
Premier League
Saturday 14 January 2017, 3pm GMT
London Stadium

What’s the story?

West Ham United welcome Crystal Palace to London Stadium for a London derby on Saturday as Slaven Bilic’s men look to bounce back from their FA Cup exit last weekend.

The Hammers are aiming for their first win of 2017 after kicking-off the New Year with defeats to the two Manchester clubs – and could register their first Premier League double of the campaign.

Manuel Lanzini’s finish from an Aaron Cresswell cross gave the Hammers a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace earlier this season, a three-point haul which was the east Londoners’ first on their travels this term.

Palace have struggled in the league since, winning just one of their last 14 games to sit just above the relegation zone with 16 points from 20 games.

Their poor form was enough to cost Alan Pardew his job, with another former Hammers boss, Sam Allardyce, taking the reins just before Christmas.

Big Sam has taken one point from his first three games, following a 1-1 draw with Watford with defeats to Arsenal and Swansea.

West Ham won three league games in a row around Christmas, but have lost their last two – 1-0 at Leicester, and 2-0 against Manchester United.

Team news

Michail Antonio missed training on Thursday due to an illness and the Hammers will check on his availability for Saturday’s game.

Arthur Masuaku and Alvaro Arbeloa remain sidelined, but James Collins and Sam Byram have resumed training following their injuries.

Cheikhou Kouayte and Andre Ayew are at the Africa Cup of Nations and Dimitri Payet is unavailable.

For the Eagles, Christian Benteke has overcome a shoulder injury, and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey should also be fit.

Wilfried Zaha and Bakary Sako are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Any links between the two?

Sam Allardyce returns to face the Hammers in the opposition dugout for the second time – but the first in charge of Crystal Palace and the first at London Stadium.

Big Sam spent four years in charge at West Ham, winning promotion from the Championship and consolidating the Hammers’ Premier League position.

He now has one of his defensive stalwarts from his time at West Ham at his disposal in South London – James Tomkins.

The former England U21 international and 2012 Team GB Olympian played 206 league games for the Hammers after coming through the Academy, and signed for the Eagles last summer.

How do I get to the game?

Click here for your detailed guide to matchday at London Stadium.

Please note that gas works are still ongoing on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, affecting some walking routes to the Stadium. Click here for more information.

Click here for the latest news on the Tubes, roads, TfL Rail and London Overground services, and here for news on National Rail.

How do I watch the game?

The match is not being broadcast live in the UK. However, you can follow the action as it happens in our Match Centre, with live audio commentary, Social Media updates, in-running stats, pictures and more. Get involved in the conversation using #WHUCRY