The Premier League returns this weekend and there are two matches on Friday night, which is rare for the top-flight in England. One of those games is a London derby between West Ham United and Fulham at the London Stadium.
West Ham find themselves in mid-table and could easily finish as high as 7th or as low as 18th this season, although the latter is very unlikely. Fulham are in a relegation fight and begin this match in 19th place, 8 points adrift of safety.
West Ham come into this match well rested having not played in the FA Cup on the weekend. You must go back to the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on the 9th February to find the last time they played.
Trends show West Ham’s form has dipped of late and they have won just one of their last seven Premier League games. That was a 1-0 home win over Arsenal in January and the Hammers have been at their best on home soil.
West Ham are unbeaten in six of their last seven home matches in all competitions, including each of the last four. Their last three home games have seen under 2.5 goals and West Ham have kept a clean sheet in two of those matches.
Fulham are in big trouble at the foot of the table and know they need to start picking up points quickly if they are to avoid the drop. However, Fulham have won only one of their last seven games in all competitions, losing the other six and their form suggests they are going to struggle to survive this season.
Trends show Fulham have won only three of their last twenty-two matches in all competitions and two of their last twelve in the Premier League.
Away form has been poor and Fulham have picked up just 2 points on their travels in the Premier League this season. The have lost ten of their last eleven away Premier League matches, picking up just a single point in a 0-0 draw at Newcastle United.
Fulham have failed to score a goal in six of their last nine away games in all competitions and have kept only one clean sheet away from home this season.
Looking ahead to the team news and West Ham have had some time to nurse players back to fitness. However, they still have doubts over Samir Nasri, Fabian Balbuena, Jack Wilshere, Manuel Lanzini and Winston Reid.
Fulham will travel without Alfie Mawson who is not expected to return until mid-March and Marcus Bettinelli who will miss the rest of the season. Håvard Nordtveit could return to face his former club.
Given their home form and the quality of the opposition, this a match West Ham will expect to win. The Hammers should score a couple of goals and will be hopeful of keeping a clean sheet.