The Cottagers have made significant strides this season, securing their first win at Stamford Bridge in 45 years and earning draws against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham.
Their squad, with an average age of 27.5 years, includes experienced striker Raúl Jiménez, who has netted 8 goals this season. Alex Iwobi has been a versatile asset for Marco Silva, excelling in roles from wing-back to midfield across both flanks.
Serbian international Saša Lukić anchors the midfield defensively, shielding the back four and breaking up opposition play. Meanwhile, Andreas Pereira has transitioned into a deeper midfield role, contributing to Fulham’s build-up play.
Fulham’s playing style capitalises on the width of the pitch, with full-backs pressing high and making numerous interceptions. However, they have a tendency to concede late goals, as seen in their draw against West Ham when they let in a last-minute equaliser. Sustaining dominance over 90 minutes also remains a challenge.
Under Marco Silva, now in his fourth year as manager, Fulham have enjoyed a stable and impressive nine-game unbeaten run.
In their last 11 meetings, West Ham have claimed six wins to Fulham’s three, with two draws. Graham Potter, in his first league match as Hammers Head Coach, will aim to close the seven-point gap on our London rivals.
The Hammers will be hoping to leave past defensive struggles, particularly our vulnerability to counterattacks, behind. While it will take time for “Potterball” to take shape, fans are eager for an entertaining second half of the season. With Danny Ings as the only fit striker, however, attacking options are limited for this clash.
The bookmakers predict a tight contest, with either a draw or a late West Ham victory.
Yeah agreed we would be better off with no striker the old false nine, or kudus or if there is anyone in the academy available to give it a go
West Ham might already be on the trail of a loan striker who is ready to start tomorrow night against Fulham. Anything can happen. Graham Potter will be implementing changes to the playing style from this morning – but the bigger changes will likely occur over the next few weeks. How good would it be to be on 29 points by this time next week? A top ten finish is very possible this season. I’m looking forward to seeing what Potter will do.
Even though Ings is our only fit striker, I’m praying that Potter has realised that his premiership days are over and the team is better off without him.
Potter is very shrewd….. he’ll soon know which players will be on their way in the summer. I’m not sure that it’s time to let anyone go now, with uncertainties regarding the return dates of Bowen and Fullkrug. We won’t be seeing Antonio in a West Ham shirt again.