Fulham vs West Ham United
As starts to the Premier League season go, Fulham and West Ham could be forgiven for expecting slightly more than the respective four and three point haul they currently have from their opening three games.
However, that is where any negativity should end.
For both clubs have shown promise and signs that improvement on their 2023-24 campaigns is not just possible, but most realistic.
Talking Points
Perhaps for the Hammers, that is no surprise.
Last season was one when the relationship with David Moyes and the Hammers’ faithful reached a natural conclusion – Moyes has had his farewell and the reception he received was a deserved one.
In former Sevilla and Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui though, there is no question the club has an upgrade – a manager with real European pedigree, having won the Europa League with Sevilla.
Although a word of warning as astutely pointed out by my SBOTOP colleague towards the end of last season: Lopetegui left Wolves after less than a year in charge due to disagreements with the board.
West Ham’s hierarchy will need to give this ambitious manager what he wants or it could be a short-term relationship.
They have certainly backed him so far, including in the shape of German striker Niclas Füllkrug.
The 31 year-old frontman may well only have a few years left at the top of his game, but he is a player who can have a real impact at the London Stadium.
Füllkrug scored 12 goals in 29 Bundesliga games last season, representing his country at Euro 2024.
He appears perfect for the Hammers and the striker has already admitted he’s salivating at the thought of Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta whipping in crosses for him to finish.
While West Ham have undoubtedly strengthened and splashed the cash, Fulham have lost their best player for the second successive summer – this time in midfielder Joao Palhinha who swapped west London for Bavaria.
Yet, while no less ambitious than Lopetegui, manager Marco Silva is possibly a more patient man and realises evolution is key.
He has been backed this summer with the most notable recruit that of Emile Smith Rowe, who was signed from Arsenal for in the region of £27 million and found the net on his home debut against Leicester.
I had already been impressed by the likes of USA international Antonee Robinson, goalkeeper Bern Leno and the recent return of Ryan Sessegnon and Fulham have continued to strengthen since then by bringing in Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge from Burnley and Danish defender Joachim Andersen from Crystal Palace.
So, what we can expect this weekend?
An entertaining contest full of Premier League highlights from two teams striving for improvement. Just one fan base may be more patient than the other.
History
Two clubs from the capital with a reputation for playing good football, I automatically think of the 1975 FA Cup Final as their most prestigious meeting.
It was a game in which the Hammers triumphed 2-0 thanks to a second half double from Alan Taylor against a Cottagers side who were playing in the second tier and included former West Ham and England great Bobby Moore in their ranks.
That is one of 51 West Ham victories over the years compared to 34 Fulham triumphs and 24 draws.
Their inaugural clash came in December 1898, in the former Southern League Division Two, is recorded as a 2-1 West Ham success with B. Gresham and J. Reynolds the marksmen.
Their very first top flight game was at Craven Cottage in 1959 when the home side emerged 1-0 victors.
Fulham also won their first ever Premier League clash in 2001 as the French contingent of Sylvain Legwinski and Steed Malbranque scored the goals in a 2-0 win at Upton Park.
Although Fulham recorded a 3-0 FA Cup success there in 2004, that was the last time they beat West Ham on their own turf in the league which meant they had never won at the London Stadium (which the Hammers moved to in 2016).
That was until a league double last term.
Fulham enjoyed a thumping 5-0 home win – the scorers that night were Raul Jimenez, Willian, Tosin Adarabioyo, Harry Wilson and Carlos Vinicius.
That was followed up in April with a 2-0 away success for the Cottagers, courtesy of a double from Andreas Pereira.
Betting Tip
Fulham have home advantage and the advantage with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.
If the Cottagers are going to edge this, then how about backing them 1X2 @ 2.33 or Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.14.
If the Hammers should have enough, then look no further than 1X2 @ 2.68 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.08.
After waiting some time to win at West Ham, another 2-0 Fulham success will pay out @ 16.00 with Correct Score.
You have to go back to the mid 1960s to the last time Fulham beat West Ham three times in a row, so maybe a draw is a safe bet as there’s only been one of those in the last 13 contests.
There’s also only been two goalless draws in the past 18 years so instead of Correct Score 0-0 @ 13.50, I’m going for a 1X2 Draw @ 3.28 as my ** tip.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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