West Ham United vs Fulham Prediction | Premier League 2025/26 | EPL Prediction | Dec 27 – Must-Win London Derby to Escape the Drop Zone?

The London Stadium plays host to a nervy capital clash that feels heavier than your average festive fixture. The Hammers are currently languishing in the relegation zone (18th), desperate to arrest a slide that has seen them go winless in their last five outings across all competitions. Conversely, the visitors arrive in East London with a spring in their step, fresh off a crucial away victory against Burnley.

West Ham United vs Fulham Match Details at a Glance

Injury News and Suspensions

West Ham United

Nuno Espírito Santo faces a peculiar selection headache. While the medical room is technically clear of traditional injuries, the squad depth is being tested by international call-ups. Key defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Malick Diouf are listed as absent due to international duty. This is a massive blow to the defensive flanks, forcing the manager to reshuffle a backline that is already struggling for consistency, though Wan-Bissaka still appears in provisional squad lists, creating some confusion over his final availability.

Fulham

Marco Silva is navigating a few significant absences of his own. The attack is blunted by the long-term loss of Rodrigo Muniz, who is out with a hamstring injury until late February 2026. On the left flank, Ryan Sessegnon is nursing a hamstring issue and is targeting a return in late December, though this game might be too soon. Additionally, midfield engine Sasa Lukic remains doubtful with a groin injury, which could leave the visitors light in the center of the park.

West Ham United vs Fulham Head-to-Head Records

Form Guide

West Ham United

The mood in East London is tense. Sitting 18th in the table as of December 20, 2025, the Irons are in a perilous position. Nuno’s appointment was supposed to bring defensive solidity, yet the team is suffering from a “major lack of defensive consistency.” Their recent run, three draws and two losses, suggests a team that is hard to beat but impossible to watch win. They rely heavily on Jarrod Bowen to conjure magic on the break and Lucas Paquetá to provide the creative spark.

Fulham

The Cottagers find themselves in 14th place, a position that reflects their “mixed” nature. Marco Silva has them playing attractive, possession-based football that is pleasing to the eye but often fragile at the back. They are a significant goalscoring threat, especially in chaotic, high-scoring matches, but their defensive vulnerabilities are equally glaring. The recent win away at Burnley was a massive boost, proving they can grind out results on the road.

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West Ham United vs Fulham Key Battles

Jarrod Bowen vs Antonee Robinson

Based on the players available, a likely key duel is on the West Ham right. Jarrod Bowen remains the hosts’ most dangerous weapon. His tendency to cut inside onto his left foot is no secret, yet few can stop it. He acts as the primary outlet for Nuno’s counter-attacking system. He will be up against Antonee Robinson, one of the most athletic full-backs in the league. Robinson loves to overlap, which could pin Bowen back. However, if Robinson gets caught upfield, the space left behind is exactly where Bowen thrives.

Lucas Paquetá vs Sander Berge

In the middle of the park, the creative burden falls on Lucas Paquetá. The Brazilian maestro is the one player in claret and blue capable of unlocking a defense with a single pass. He will likely be shadowed by Sander Berge, Fulham’s midfield anchor. Berge’s physical presence and ability to break up play are crucial for a team that likes to play out from the back. If Paquetá can find pockets of space between Berge and the defense, the hosts will create chances.

West Ham United vs Fulham Tactical Outlook

Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to set up in a rigid shape, prioritizing defensive organization to stop the bleeding. The plan will be to let the visitors have the ball and hit them with direct transitions through Summerville and Bowen. The inclusion of Todibo and Mavropanos suggests a focus on defending the box, but the absence of key full-backs due to international duty is a tactical nightmare for a manager who relies on wide defensive stability.

Marco Silva will stick to his guns. The West Londoners will look to dominate possession, building from Leno through Bassey and Andersen. They will push high, trying to overload the wide areas with Iwobi and Robinson. The danger for Silva is the counter-attack; his side often leaves gaps when possession is turned over cheaply.

West Ham United vs Fulham Possible Playing Squad

West Ham United XI:

Areola (GK), Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf, Magassa, Potts, Fernandes, Paquetá, Summerville, Bowen

Fulham XI:

Leno (GK), Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Berge, Smith Rowe, Iwobi, Wilson, Chukwueze, Jiménez

West Ham United vs Fulham Match Prediction

This game has “draw” written all over it, but the momentum favors the visitors. The Hammers are playing with the weight of the relegation zone on their shoulders, and the atmosphere at the London Stadium could turn toxic if they concede early. Fulham, while inconsistent, have a clear identity and the attacking firepower to exploit a nervous defense. However, Nuno’s teams are notoriously stubborn. Expect a cagey affair where the hosts prioritize not losing over winning, but Silva’s side might just have enough quality to snatch it if the game opens up.

Score Prediction

West Ham United 1–2 Fulham; The Irons’ defensive lapses and squad depth issues might be their undoing against a confident Cottagers attack led by Jiménez.

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.