Fulham Match Preview

West Ham United will attempt to win only their sixth game of 2024 when they travel to Fulham this afternoon.

After claiming three points at Crystal Palace back on August 24, the Hammers will be keen to back that victory up with another against Marco Silva’s side at Craven Cottage to clinch only their second success on the road since they came from behind to secure a 2-1 triumph against Wolverhampton Wanderers back on April 6. They will now look to start September on a high, following defeat to Manchester City before the international break.

The East Londoners usually have a good record here but last season, today’s hosts did the double over David Moyes’ men, which included a humiliating 5-0 defeat. New Head-Coach Julen Lopetegui will be hoping that he can help his side avoid a repeat this time around.

Silva’s team would perhaps have been disappointed to have only picked up a point last time out, as they drew 1-1 at newly-promoted Ipswich Town a fortnight ago and, they may struggle to achieve maximum points here, given that they have to prepare for a Carabao Cup third-round tie against Sky Bet Championship outfit Preston North End on Tuesday night. West Ham on the other hand have a free week before they are in Carabao Cup action themselves against current holders Liverpool on September 25.

It is unknown as to the reason why but the visitors often struggle following an international break. Three points may be crucial here, given that Lopetegui’s men face another London derby against Chelsea in a week’s time.

Following that reverse against Josep Guardiola’s team last time out, the Irons dropped to fourteenth place in the Premier League table but, thanks to Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Manchester United the following day, they moved back up to thirteenth and, were the Spaniard to help his team get another success here, then the Hammers would jump above their opponents in the table.

Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal will be hoping to be restored to the starting line-up, as will goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who had to be replaced at half-time in the 3-1 defeat to the Citizens but is fit enough to start again.

Deadline Day recruit Carlos Soler and Crysencio Summerville are pushing for their first starts.

Jean-Clair Todibo may also be involved, while Niclas Füllkrug will have to be assessed after picking up a calf injury whilst on international duty with Germany.

The match is a 3pm kick-off and the referee is Tim Robinson.