West Ham United welcome Fulham to the London Stadium on Saturday night as both sides go in search of some much-needed points.
The Hammers find themselves fourteenth with eight points – four points ahead of seventeenth-place Fulham.
Frightening at full tilt! 😳Frank is pretty good. 🤖#FFC pic.twitter.com/tDpacIlNIq— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) November 3, 2020
Frightening at full tilt! 😳Frank is pretty good. 🤖#FFC pic.twitter.com/tDpacIlNIq
West Ham got off to a decent start this season, winning three of their opening four games. However, they head into this clash on a three-game winless run.
After drawing with Tottenham and Manchester City, David Moyes’ side were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool last weekend.
Pablo Fornals gave the Hammers the lead at Anfield, but goals either side of half-time saw Liverpool snatch all three points.
Still, West Ham have been far stronger at home recently. They have only lost one of their previous seven home games in all competitions.
Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem for the Hammers, but Moyes will be eager for his side to start conceding less.
By contrast, Fulham must start scoring more. Scott Parker’s men have only netted seven goals in seven top-flight games this term – the third-lowest total.
The Cottagers also have one of the worst defensive records in the division. In fact, only two sides have conceded more goal than Fulham this season.
However, following six failed attempts, Fulham finally got their first league win of the season last weekend.
Following a draw with Sheffield United, Parker’s side beat West Brom 2-0 last time out, with Bobby Reid and Ola Aina getting on the scoresheet.
A win on Saturday would take Fulham to within one point of West Ham, although a defeat could see them drop back into the relegation zone.
Head-to-head: In the 2018/19 season, West Ham did the double over Fulham, winning 2-0 away and 3-1 at home.
It’s fair to say that West Ham have enjoyed playing Fulham in recent years. The Hammers have only lost two of their last eight encounters with the Cottagers.
Team news: Michail Antonio is the only injury doubt for West Ham this weekend, with Sebastien Haller expected to lead the line in his absence.
Fulham could be without as many as five players on Saturday. Aboubakar Kamara is suspended after picking up a red card.
It may still be early days, but both these sides are in desperate need of three points this weekend, with the bottom three hot on their heels.
However, West Ham have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture in recent years, while Fulham have struggled.
Forebet predicts that West Ham will score over 1.5 goals and keep a clean sheet on their way to victory over Fulham on Saturday.