It`s another London derby for West Ham this Saturday when Fulham arrive. Our opponents have lost five Premier League games on the trot, are Fulham the ideal opponents to get Sam Allardyce smiling again and West Ham back on a winning run?
Vital Quotes:
To follow
West Ham Team News:
Sam Allardyce will be without Andy Carrolll again, as is the norm this season. Last time out we were awful against Chelsea with Sam making two changes against Chelsea before half time. Could the two introduced, Modibo Maiga and Mohamed Diame start or will Sam give Carlton Cole a start?
Others who will not be available for selection are, George McCartney and Alou Diarra (both knee) Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) and Razvan Rat (hamstring).
Player to watch: Kevin Nolan
Whilst his contributions are not always appreciated by the Hammers faithful, our club captain will be making his 350th Premier League appearance, no mean feat.
Fulham Team News:
Martin Jol, a manager under pressure after five Premier League defeats on the bounce, will be hoping that his club captain Brede Hangeland will have recovered from a nerve problem to take his place at the heart of the Fulham defence.
Rated as doubtful is Dimitar Berbatov, although his one goal in eleven appearances this season hardly marks him down as a real threat.
Definitely out is Sascha Riether who will be serving the third game of a three game ban imposed after his assault on Januzaj, of Manchester United, was punished away from the field of play.
Player to watch: Scott Parker
A former Hammers servant and a player West Ham supporters will always have a soft spot for.
Match Facts & Stats
West Ham have the upper hand over Fulham at Upton Park. In the last eight meetings the Hammers have won four and drawn four.
Unfortunately, when it comes to this season, our recent record at Upton Park is nothing to boast about with West Ham only acquiring one point in the last five games.
Ref Watch:
Our officials for this encounter are:-
Referee – M. Atkinson
Assistants – P. Kirkup and H. Lennard
Fourth Official – M. Oliver
Match Prediction:
Fulham arrive at Upton Park having lost five Premier League games on the trot, is there a better chance to get back to winning ways for the Hammers after some poor results? I`d suggest that if we can`t beat Fulham then the danger signs really are there. I`m going for a Hammers win though – 2-0!
Next Fixtures:
In midweek West Ham face another London derby, our third on the trot, when we travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace.
