West Ham vs Fulham: 07/11/2020 – match preview and predicted starting XIs
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Scott Parker, Manager of Fulham gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Fulham and West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage on November 02, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Frank Augstein - Pool/Getty Images)
West Ham vs Fulham
Date: 07/11/2020
K/O: 20.00
Venue: London Stadium
Referee: Robert Jones
TV: BT Sport Box Office
Fulham travel across London to meet their capital city counterparts West Ham in Saturday’s late evening fixture.
The Hammers have been in decent form of late, with comprehensive wins against Wolves and Leicester preceding draws against Spurs and Manchester City. Most recently, it took a late Diogo Jota winner to deny them taking a point from Liverpool last weekend. Despite their improved performances, the Hammers still find themselves in 14th in the Premier League.
Their opponents on Saturday, Fulham, picked up their first victory of the Premier League season when they beat West Brom 2-0 on Monday evening, bringing them out of the relegation zone. The Cottagers have disappointed since earning promotion over the summer, with manager and club legend Scott Parker struggling to settle on his best starting XI. They have particularly struggled at the back, with Monday’s victory their first league clean sheet of the season.
Since losing the opening game of the season, the Irons have won three of their four home games in all competitions, while the visitors to the London Stadium on Saturday night have not yet won on the road. David Moyes will be fancying his side’s chances of moving up the table. However, Fulham have at least shown improvement since their first few matches back in the Premier League, and do have the firepower to hurt a West Ham side missing some of their stars through injury. During the visitors’ last campaign in the Premier League, it was West Ham who came out on both occasions, with 2-0 and 3-1 victories.
Team News
West Ham
The hosts will remain without star striker Michail Antonio as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, with Sebastien Haller likely to deputise. Mark Noble is a major doubt through a rib injury, while Moyes expects Aaron Cresswell to recover from a slight groin strain. It looks likely that Said Benrahma will have to wait before making his full Premier League debut, with Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals set to start on either wing.
Fulham
The major piece of injury news for Fulham is the potential absence of Mario Lemina after he was brought off with a minor hamstring injury during their Monday night win over West Brom. Harrison Reed looks the most likely option to replace him. After Bobby Decordova-Reid bagged against the Baggies, it looks likely that Ruben Loftus-Cheek will remain on the bench for the Cottagers.
Predicted Starting XIs
West Ham (3-4-3): Fabianski; Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Coufal, Soucek, Rice, Masuaku; Bowen, Haller Fornals
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Robinson; Reed, Anguissa; Deocordova-Reid, Cairney, Lookman; Mitrovic
Score Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Fulham
It is hard to bet in favour of Fulham, despite their win on Monday evening. Since October, the Hammers have looked a far better team than the end of last campaign, and despite the absence of the influential Antonio, they have plenty of attacking options in their squad. Their firepower off the bench could prove to be the difference in this one.