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West Ham United were no doubt hoping to catch Crystal Palace cold after their European excursions on Thursday night, but the Eagles have been handed a huge boost ahead of Monday’s crunch game.

A victory for West Ham United would pull them four points clear of the relegation zone with only five games to play, and while they must focus on themselves, the fact that Palace were playing in Europe only a few days ago cannot be ignored.

Any changes to this team? I wouldn’t drop KWP any time soon 👀

A graphic showing the XI that West Ham United should name against Crystal Palace on 20/04/2026.Credit: GRV Media

Palace were in celebratory spirit after beating Fiorentina on aggregate on Thursday night, which arguably helps Nuno Espirito Santo’s side ahead of their trip to Selhurst Park. 

Still, the Eagles are a very serious outfit and have been boosted by the fact that key defender Maxence Lacroix is available.

Maxence Lacroix fit to play West Ham

According to journalist Bobby Manzi on social media platform X, Oliver Glasner’s side are likely to have Lacroix fit for the West Ham game.

The Frenchman was forced off during their win in Italy during the first half.

However, it seems Lacroix – who has played in almost every minute of their Premier League campaign – has been given the all-clear to feature against the Hammers. 

Optimist or Realist? Share your number and defend it in the comments

A graphic asking West Ham United fans how confident they are of Premie League survivial on a scale of 1-10.Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse

Such are the fine margins involved in this season’s relegation battle, any injury boost for any of the teams the likes of West Ham are playing could have major implications.

Though West Ham are set to spend at least another week outside of the relegation zone no matter what happens at Selhurst, there’s little doubt that Monday’s game offers a brilliant opportunity for the Irons.

Maxence Lacroix looks injured during Crystal Palace's Conference League game against Fiorentina.Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Given the manner in which Spurs dropped yet more points, a victory in south east London would surely deal Roberto De Zerbi’s men a significant psychological blow.

Spurs, then, will no doubt be pleased by the Lacroix news ahead of Crystal Palace versus West Ham.

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