Fulham FC vs West Ham United FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Fulham FC vs West Ham United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Both Fulham and West Ham enter this game in more trouble than they would like, although it is undoubtedly the away team that has more to worry about.

Fulham have slipped down to 10th place in recent weeks, off the back of three consecutive defeats and the improved form of the likes of Aston Villa, who have overtaken them.

Added to that is the long suspension handed to Aleksandar Mitrovic, eight games in total, for shoving the referee in Fulham’s FA Cup Quarter Final defeat to Manchester United. They need a response here.

West Ham are in need of a huge lift after suffering yet another defeat this season, this time a 5-1 humiliation to high-flying Newcastle. 

It was a result that leaves the Hammers above the bottom three on goal difference only and their manager David Moyes hanging by a thread.

Another defeat here could well spell the end for the experienced coach.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Fulham FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Last three home defeats have come against Man United, Spurs and Arsenal

     Scored in all but one of their last six

Reasons to be fearful:

     Lost four of their past five against West Ham

     Three defeats in a row has damaged confidence

The news that Mitrovic will be banned for eight games as a result of his push on a referee will have come as a significant blow to Fulham this week.

It is a deserved suspension, although one that will hurt the Cottager’s chances of finishing inside the top half this season. 

They have proven that they can play well without their big number nine at times this season, such as claiming points against the likes of Chelsea, but he is so key to how they play.

They also appear to be running out of steam at the wrong time. That string of defeats in the league doesn’t include their loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup, meaning that it’s now five games without victory.

Can they claim three points against a dejected West Ham?

Star Man – Andreas Pereira

The former Manchester United midfielder has been excellent for Fulham this season, creating 58 chances for his teammates and contributing to 10 goals this campaign.

West Ham United FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Michail Antonio has a good record against Fulham as do the Hammers

     Victory could take them as high as 12th 

Reasons to be fearful

     Lost eight of their last 11 away games

     And they haven’t claimed a clean sheet across that period

Times have been good for West Ham fans over the past few seasons, competing near the top end of the table and in European competitions.

This season, the walls appear to have fallen in on David Moyes and his team and they look set for a nail-biting finish to the season.

Can they avoid relegation? That will come down to whether the players can lift their performances despite confidence clearly being shattered right now.

The likes of Bowen, Antonio, Lanzini and co. have all seen their form drop this season, while new signings Scamacca and Paqueta have been inconsistent.

They have a great record over Fulham in recent seasons but they need a massive performance here.

Star Man – Michail Antonio

Antonio has four goals and an assist from his six appearances against Fulham. While Antonio is not at his best for West Ham, he still has a big part to play in the remainder of their season.