1 Fulham vs 1 West Ham United
Fulham seeking three consecutive league victories over West Ham.
Fulham aims for a historic third consecutive league victory over West Ham at Craven Cottage this Saturday, as both teams seek to improve their standings after mixed starts to the season.
Fulham
Adama Traore’s maiden goal of the season helped Fulham seal a point in a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Ipswich Town just before the international break. A casual strike in the 32nd minute restored parity at Portman Road after a venomous strike from Liam Delap had put Ipswich in front inside the first fifteen minutes.
The draw left Fulham in 12th place with 4 points after three games. Last season, Fulham lost only once in four games following a resumption after an international break, securing two wins and one draw. Marco Silva will be hoping his side enjoys similar fortune this season, with Saturday’s game against West Ham looming.
Furthermore, with back-to-back victories over the Hammers, a win for the Cottagers would give them three consecutive league victories over the visitors for the first time since October 1966. Silva could keep the 4—3—3 formation seen against Ipswich, with Rodrigo Muniz in attack.
Alex Iwobi, who was the architect of Fulham’s goal against the Tractor Boys, and goal scorer Adama Traore are expected to team up with the Brazilian in attack. The Cottagers have no injury worries ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
West Ham United
West Ham are seated just below the Cottagers in 13th place, with three points after a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City. An own goal from Rúben Dias helped West Ham restore parity, but an Erling Haaland hat trick condemned the Hammers to their second defeat of the season.
"We have to improve in these things," Julen Lopetegui said after pointing out errors and City’s individual and team qualities as plausible excuses for his side’s inability to pick up three points.
On Saturday, the 58-year-old manager will have little excuse when West Ham takes on Fulham, a team his side has defeated 16 times in 28 meetings. It is currently their best win rate against any team they have faced at least five times in the competition.
In addition, victory on Saturday would leave the Hammers with two opening away wins for the first time since 2015-16. A 4-2-3-1 with Michail Antonio in attack is expected.
Niclas Füllkrug, who bagged Germany’s opener in the 5-0 win over Hungary, picked up an Achilles tendon strain while on international duty and remains a doubt. "Yesterday he was a bit better, and we just need to keep an eye on him. I think we will make a final decision on him tomorrow," Julen Lopetegui said in an injury update on Thursday.
Team form
Showing the latest five games—giving you a quick look at recent performance trends. Teams in good form tend to do well in the next match.
Team Comparison
Side-by-side assessment of team statistics, including goals, attacks, and more. This allows you to directly compare key performance metrics. Analyzing these stats can reveal patterns and strengths that might influence the outcome.