Premier League action resumes as West Ham United hosts Fulham at the London Stadium on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025, at 1:30 AM (BDT) / 1:00 AM (IST). David Moyes’ West Ham will look to maximize their home advantage and climb the table, while Marco Silva’s Fulham aims to secure a vital away result.
West Ham United vs Fulham Form Guide
West Ham United
West Ham has displayed resilience this season but faces challenges in maintaining consistency. Key players like Tomas Soucek and Mohammed Kudus have been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities, but the team struggles with defensive organization and finishing chances.
Fulham
Fulham, under Marco Silva, has focused on wing play and consistent attacking strategies. Players like Alex Iwobi and Raul Jiménez have contributed significantly to their goal tally. However, Fulham’s defensive weaknesses, particularly against long shots and set-pieces, could be exploited by West Ham.
West Ham United vs Fulham Key Battles
Tomáš Souček vs Raúl Jiménez
West Ham’s Tomáš Souček, with 4 goals this season, faces Fulham’s leading scorer, Raúl Jiménez, who has netted 8 goals. Souček’s aerial prowess and late runs into the box make him a unique threat in set pieces and open play. On the other hand, Jiménez’s sharp finishing and positioning in the penalty area could pose significant problems for the Hammers’ defense. Both players will look to make their mark in crucial moments.
Mohammed Kudus vs Alex Iwobi
Mohammed Kudus has contributed 4 goals and assists for West Ham, showcasing his flair and versatility in attack. He is set to go head-to-head with Alex Iwobi, who has been a creative force for Fulham with 8 combined goals and assists. While Kudus thrives on driving runs and decisive actions in the final third, Iwobi’s vision and passing range make him a consistent threat in building Fulham’s attacking plays. This clash of creative playmakers could significantly influence the outcome of the match.
West Ham United vs Fulham Tactical Outlook
David Moyes is expected to focus on set-pieces and aerial duels, capitalizing on Soucek and Kudus’ strengths. West Ham might rely on long balls and counter-attacks, using the flanks to deliver crosses into the box.
Marco Silva will likely emphasize attacking down the wings and delivering crosses into the box for Jiménez. Fulham’s defensive strategy will involve playing a high line and using the offside trap to neutralize West Ham’s attacks.
Head-to-Head Encounters
In recent years, West Ham United has dominated the fixture, with 10 wins compared to Fulham’s 4 victories and 4 draws. However, Fulham’s current form and attacking capabilities could challenge West Ham’s defense.
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Injury News and Suspensions
West Ham United
West Ham United faces a challenging period with several key players sidelined. Jarrod Bowen is out with a foot injury, with his return anticipated in early March 2025. Michail Antonio is recovering from a broken leg and isn’t expected back until early May 2025. Niclas Füllkrug is dealing with a hamstring injury, ruling him out until early February 2025, while Jean-Clair Todibo remains unavailable due to a muscle injury. Additionally, Emerson is doubtful for the next match due to physical discomfort, leaving manager David Moyes with tough decisions to make regarding his squad rotation.
Fulham
Fulham is also contending with notable injury issues. Kenny Tete is out with a knee injury and is expected to return in late February 2025. Reiss Nelson is sidelined with a hamstring injury and won’t be available until mid-February 2025. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Muniz is doubtful due to a back injury, and Sander Berge’s participation is uncertain as he recovers from an ankle injury. Marco Silva will need to navigate these absences carefully to maintain Fulham’s competitive edge in their upcoming fixtures.
West Ham United vs Fulham Possible Playing Squads
West Ham United
Fabianski(GK), Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Mavropanos, Coufal, Soler, Álvarez, Paquetá, Soucek, Kudus, Ings
Fulham
Leno(GK), Bassey, Andersen, Diop, Robinson, Cairney, Lukic, Castagne, Iwobi, Jiménez, Wilson
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Ham United vs Fulham | Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 1:30 AM (BDT) / 1:00 AM (IST) | Premier League | London Stadium, London, England |
Match Prediction
West Ham United will aim to exploit their home advantage, but Fulham’s attacking strength could make this a tightly contested encounter.
Score Prediction
A 2-2 draw seems likely, with both teams showcasing moments of brilliance while struggling to maintain defensive solidity.