Fulham seeking three-game winning streak as London derby looms.
West Ham vs. Fulham kicks off at 15:00 [GMT] on Saturday, December 27, at the London Stadium.
Historically, this fixture has leaned heavily in West Ham’s favor. The Hammers have lost just one of their last 14 Premier League home games against Fulham, winning nine of those and drawing four. However, that lone defeat came as recently as April 2024, a 2-0 loss under David Moyes, showing that Fulham are increasingly capable of upsetting the long-standing balance. Despite their strong historical record against Fulham, West Ham’s broader London derby form this season has been alarming. They have lost all five of their Premier League matches against fellow capital clubs, conceding 14 goals and scoring just twice. Another defeat here would see them match their worst-ever run of six consecutive league derby losses, last recorded in the mid-1990s. More worryingly, West Ham have collected just 13 league points so far this season, equalling their lowest tally at Christmas, a campaign that ultimately ended in relegation. Home form has offered little respite. The Hammers have already lost 10 home league games in 2025, a rare and unwanted milestone in the club’s history. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, results have not improved significantly, with West Ham averaging just 0.83 points per game since his appointment, the lowest of any permanent manager in their Premier League era. In 18th place with back-to-back defeats [LDDLL], those worrying thoughts could inspire a response from the Hammers when they host fellow capital rivals. A 3—4—2—1 formation with Jarrod Bowen in attack is expected against the Cottagers.
Fulham [WLLWW] was also edged out 3-2 in this exact fixture in January last season and will be keen to avoid losing multiple league games to West Ham in the same calendar year for the first time since 2008. However, they arrive with a measure of growing confidence. They have won their last two away league matches, matching their total from the previous 12 combined, and will be targeting a third consecutive away win for the first time this year. While Fulham’s overall record in London derbies is poor, they may view West Ham’s current struggles as an opportunity to buck that trend. Key individuals could yet swing the contest. Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s most reliable attacking outlet at home, having scored six goals in his last 12 league appearances at the London Stadium, though frustratingly none have come in victories. For Fulham, Raúl Jiménez has an outstanding record against the Hammers, scoring six Premier League goals against them, more than against any other opponent, and arriving in form after another confidently converted penalty. Raúl Jiménez is expected at the attacking end of Fulham’s 3—4—2—1 formation.