West Ham vs Fulham prediction, H2H and probable line-ups - December 27, 2025
One of the matches of Premier League Round 18 will take place this Saturday at London Stadium, where the local side West Ham hosts Fulham. I'm backing a bet on goals in this derby, as both teams display defensive vulnerabilities and frequently delight fans with attacking football.
Match preview
West Ham are going through a tough patch, enduring their second winless streak of six matches this season. The Hammers have lost their last two games by an aggregate score of 2-6, including a heavy 0-3 defeat to Manchester City. Their gap from the safety zone is growing, and their defense remains one of the league's worst, having conceded 35 goals.
Home fixtures for the Hammers are nearly always a spectacle: in seven of their last nine matches at this stadium, at least three goals have been scored. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side is extremely inconsistent but retains attacking potential, especially when facing teams from the lower half of the table.
Fulham, on the other hand, have found their rhythm, securing back-to-back wins over relegation-zone teams. Against Burnley, they netted three times, and versus Nottingham Forest, they snatched a victory thanks to a penalty. Interestingly, the Cottagers have gone 15 straight league matches without a draw — alternating wins and defeats.
Marco Silva's team are still far from stable on the road: just one win in their last eight away games and ongoing defensive issues. Nonetheless, Fulham boast solid attacking output, especially away from home, where both teams have scored in five of their last six matches.
Probable line-ups
- West Ham: Areola, Scarles, Todibo, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Magassa, Potts, Fernandes, Paquetá, Summerville, Bowen
- Fulham: Leno, Robinson, Tete, Andersen, Diop, Cairney, Berge, Wilson, Smith Rowe, Iwobi, Jiménez
Match facts and head-to-head
- In 5 of the last 7 meetings between these teams at West Ham's ground, at least three goals have been scored.
- West Ham have conceded in 13 consecutive Premier League home matches.
- Fulham haven't drawn in 15 straight Premier League rounds and have conceded in all of their last 16 away matches.
Prediction
Both teams are clearly struggling at the back but continue to find the net regularly. This London derby promises attacking fireworks: the hosts are motivated to escape the relegation zone, while the visitors are aiming to solidify their mid-table position. The stats and current form suggest that "over 2.5 goals" at 1.80 is a smart bet.
