Fulham vs West Ham United

Craven Cottage forms the backdrop for an all-London Premier League showdown between Fulham and West Ham United.

Fulham hauled back an early deficit to hold newly-promoted Ipswich Town to a 1-1 draw on the stroke of the international break, completing a see-saw start to the new Premier League season (W1, D1, L1). However, the Cottagers’ only league win came on this ground on matchday two as they squeaked past Leicester City 2-1. Replicating that success would see the London outfit accrue seven points from the first four Premier League rounds for the first time since 2006/07, yet they’ll need to do it against West Ham. Though they humiliated their visitors 5-0 in this corresponding fixture last season, that triumph only ended their dismal three-match winless H2H league run on home turf (D1, L2). But as they pulled off a league double against West Ham last term, Fulham could make it three straight H2H triumphs for the first time since 1966.

In the meantime, West Ham’s hopes of joining the European hunt under new manager Julen Lopetegui haven’t gone to plan. The Hammers have suffered two defeats in the opening three Premier League rounds, except for a 2-0 away win against crosstown rivals Crystal Palace on matchday two. As a result, they could post back-to-back London derby triumphs away from home for the first time since November 2019. Leaving home comforts of the London Stadium could be a blessing in disguise for West Ham as three of their last four Premier League victories came on the road. The Hammers must avoid another slow start to add to that tally after conceding inside the opening 15 minutes in five of their last six league outings.