Our win against West Brom was excellent but beating West Ham could be equally important as we enter a tricky run of fixtures…
Wow! What a performance on Monday night. We needed a win and we got one deservedly. Now we need to repeat that kind of performance against a stronger side in West Ham. The Hammers come into this game having drawn to Spurs and Manchester City as well as a strong performance in a loss to Champions Liverpool. A win in this game would give us some priceless points and hopefully some breathing space if results go our way this weekend. Especially as we have Everton, Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City to follow.
I would keep our team unchanged from our win over West Brom. That is Areola in goal with a defence of Robinson, Adarabioyo, Andersen, Aina. A midfield of Lemina, Anguissa and Cairney as a 10. Lookman on the left, Decordova-Reid on the right and Mitro upfront.
Mario Lemina did go off at half time against the Baggies and reports suggest he is touch and go for the weekend. If that’s the case, Harrison Reed who came on at half time last time out and did a solid job should come in. Away from home, it may suit us to have someone like Reed in there who is quite disciplined to make sure we are compact and less vulnerable to counter attacks. Other than that, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
I think we will draw 1-1 with our in form captain, Tom Cairney getting on the scoresheet.
HEAD TO HEAD
LEAGUE RECORD (OVERALL)
- GAMES PLAYED – 84
- FULHAM WINS – 27
- DRAWS – 18
- WEST HAM WINS – 39
- GOALS SCORED – 120
- GOALS CONCEDED – 141
LEAGUE RECORD (AWAY)
- GAMES PLAYED – 42
- FULHAM WINS – 8
- DRAWS – 10
- WEST HAM WINS – 24
- GOALS SCORED – 49
- GOALS CONCEDED – 86
BIGGEST WINS
- WEST HAM UTD 7-2 FULHAM (1967/68)
- WEST HAM UTD 6-1 FULHAM (1966/67)
- FULHAM 5-0 WEST HAM UTD (1936/37)
LAST 5 GAMES
- WEST HAM 3-1 FULHAM
- FULHAM 0-2 WEST HAM
- FULHAM 2-1 WEST HAM
- West Ham 3-0 FULHAM
- FULHAM 3-1 WEST HAM
LEAGUE FORM
- WEST HAM – WWDDL
- FULHAM – LLDLW
COLLINS JOHN’S VIEW
Fulham will be buzzing going into this game after getting our first win in the Premier League on Monday. Hopefully they can keep the momentum going. It’s a London derby but without the fans it doesn’t have the same edge to it, which should make it an easier atmosphere for the boys to settle.
They played good football against West Brom and I’m sure they will be very confident to prove it again on Saturday. I was pleased to see Andersen make his debut, he was really solid and the cleansheet/win will be a big relief for the players.
I really like the idea of the captain Cairney moving back into the number 10 role, it worked perfectly with Lemina and Anguissa behind him. The key now is to keep the momentum going into the international break and although we want the three points, a draw away from home would be a good result for us in our situation. West Ham are a good team and I think they will provide a tougher test than West Brom did but we have great players, I have a lot of time for Scott Parker, who’s a great guy, and I think we are good enough to give the Hammers a game.
PREDICTION: WEST HAM 1-1 FULHAM
LAST TIME OUT
WEST HAM UNITED 3-1 FULHAM (2018/19)
Last time we played West Ham we lost 3-1 at the London Stadium. Ryan Babel put us in front with a close-range effort but goals from Hernandez, Diop and Antonio. This game had a very controversial moment with Hernandez’s first goal clearly hitting his hand before heading it in.
PLAYERS IN COMMON
Luis Boa Morte, Rufus Brevett, Wayne Bridge, Jimmy Bullard, Johnny Byrne, Papa Bouba Diop, Iain Dowie, Ryan Fredericks, Tony Gale, Jon Harley, Ray Houghton, Gabor Kiraly, Paul Konchesky, Jan Lastuvka, Archibald Macaulay, Andy Melville, Bobby Moore, John Pantsil, Scott Parker, Ian Pearce, Mladen Petric, Gerry Peyton, Leroy Rosenior, Bobby Zamora.
BATTLE TO WATCH
DECLAN RICE VS TOM CAIRNEY
Declan Rice is an English defensive midfielder who plays for West Ham. Rice has caught the eye over the past couple of seasons for his ability to break up play and versatility to play in both midfield and defence. Rice has also become a mainstay in the England set up becoming one of the first players on Southgate’s team sheet. Tom Cairney who excelled in the 10 position against West Brom will have a tricky battle against Rice and it is crucial for our success that he comes out on top.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
