West Ham United are set to take on Fulham in a few hours from now in what will be an important contest for both the sides. While the Hammers will look to consolidate their place in the top half of the table, Fulham are expected to make an attempt to lodge a fightback to get back to safety after having a disastrous season so far in the Premier League.
Current Form (last 5 matches)
West Ham United
Crystal Palace (A) 1-1 (Draw)
Liverpool (H) 1-1 (Draw)
Wolves (A) 0-3 (Loss)
Bournemouth (A) 0-2 (Loss)
Arsenal (H) 1-0 (Win)
Fulham
Manchester United (H) 3-0 (Loss)
Crystal Palace (A) 0-2 (Loss)
Brighton (H) 4-2 (Win)
Tottenham Hotspur (H) 2-1 (Loss)
Burnley (A) 1-2 (Loss)
Team News
West Ham United
Apart from the long term absentees like Andriy Yarmolenko, Carlos Sanchez, Jack Wilshere, Winston Reid and most recently Fabian Balbuena, new signing Samir Nasri is uncertain(despite training) and will be assessed before the match.
In what is good news for Manuel Pellegrini, midfield ace Manuel Lanzini is getting back to fitness but is not expected to make his return to the pitch against Fulham.
Fulham
Claudio Ranieri does not have much of a concern on the injury front other than defender Alfie Mawson. The Englishman is out with a knee injury and will not be a part of the squad against West Ham.
Predicted Lineups
West Ham United
Fabianski, Zabaleta, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Noble, Obiang, Anderson, Snodgrass, Arnautovic.
Fulham
Rico, Odoi, Ream, Le Marchand, Bryan, Chambers, Seri, Schurrle, Babel, Vietto, Mitrovic.
Key Men
West Ham United
Talismanic striker Marko Arnautovic will be expected to step up to the task of getting his side over the line against Fulham. Apart from him, winger Felipe Anderson is also expected to play a key role in the attack and help his side get all three points from the crucial match.
Midfielder Declan Rice has been in phenomenal form this season and will be another key man for the Hammers in the midfield.
Fulham
There have been very few inspirational performers for the Cottagers this season. However, Aleksandar Mitrovic has looked threatening and having already scored 10 goals will be expected to give his side a chance of winning the contest against the Hammers.
Midfield ace Jean Michael Seri is another player of whom a lot was expected and it is now or never for the midfielder if he wants to prove his worth with the business end of the season approaching.
Odds
West Ham United Win: 1.80
Draw: 4.00
Fulham Win: 4.50
