PREVIEW // MARIO SET FOR HOME DEBUT AS HAMMERS HOST EAGLES

By Daniel Mcinally 

West Ham United take on Crystal Palace at London Stadium this evening, in what will prove to be a huge London Derby for both clubs. West Ham currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League and could rise as high as ninth should they take all three points against their South East London rivals, who are only a point and two places behind. 

It was a thoroughly entertaining fixture the last time the two clubs met at London Stadium, Andy Carroll’s world-class strike the headline grabber as the Hammers beat their rivals 3-0.

“Crystal Palace at home is another big game, The Premier League just doesn’t stop. Every game is a big game and for us it is a huge game and for them as well,” said West Ham manager David Moyes.

“The Job now is to move into the top half if possible, but Roy (Hodgson) has done a top job at Palace. He’s got them going in the right direction. I suppose we go into this game in the same way- a must-win. Football in the Premier League is that way now.”

UEFA Euro 2016 winner Joao Mario is set for his London Stadium debut against Palace on Tuesday night, and team mate Angelo Ogbonna has urged the West Ham faithful to get behind the new signing, as he settles into life in the Premier League. 

“Joao looks good not just for me, but for the whole team. He is a good player, he keeps the ball well,” said Ogbonna.

“To adapt, I think everything is mental and he is already prepared for this challenge. He spoke already with Jose Fonte and with me as well.

“It is not just us though, everybody in the stadium on Tuesday, all our supporters must get behind him to help him out.” 

Arthur Masuaku begins a 6-game ban, while the Hammers will still be without star men Marko Arnuatovic and Manuel Lanzini, and defender Jose Fonte. 

The visitors have been handed a late boost however, with it being reported that French duo Mamadou Sakho and Yohan Cabaye could be fit to face the Irons on Tuesday night.