Mark Lawrenson backed West Ham to beat Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, when writing his regular prediction column for BBC Sport.
The Hammers head into Thursday’s clash with the Eagles having not played for 12 days, so they should be well prepared.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side won last time out away at Southampton – a result that effectively saved the Chilean’s job.
Crystal Palace away will be another tough test for West Ham, however.
Roy Hodgson’s side have been decent this season, and they currently sit comfortably in 12th spot in the Premier League table, four points ahead of the Hammers.
The Eagles beat their London rivals 2-1 last time they met in October, and they will be confident of turning Pellegrini’s men over for the second time in succession.
Lawrenson thinks West Ham will gain revenge on Palace, however.
“The last time these teams met, Crystal Palace snatched a late winner at the London Stadium at the start of October, to nick a victory that spelt the end of West Ham’s good start to the season. I am expecting this game to be just as close but this time I am going for the Hammers to edge it. Palace have got a lot of defensive injuries and they could catch up with them here.”
Lawro’s prediction: 1-2
West Ham fans will be hoping that Lawrenson is right.
If the Hammers beat Palace, they will then be once again looking up. And the players will believe that a top seven finish is not beyond their grasp.
The game kicks off at 15:00 and can be seen exclusively live on Amazon Prime.
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