West Ham vs Fulham: Match Preview, Team News & Live Updates

March 22, 2026

Match Overview and Context

This Premier League meeting pits two London rivals against each other at the London Stadium. West Ham have endured a disappointing first half of the 2024/25 season – they won only 6 of 20 league games and were in 14th place by mid-January 2025. The board has already sacked Julen Lopetegui, and former Brighton/Chelsea boss Graham Potter took over on 13 January. West Ham vs Fulham Potter’s men will be eager to reward the fans with a win. Fulham, under Marco Silva, are more settled; as of late December 2024 they were 13th with a recent win over Nottingham Forest. In recent form, Fulham had won 4 of 7 games in all competitions, whereas West Ham’s form was “miserable”.

Head-to-head, West Ham have the historical edge. Since 2001 the clubs met 35 times: West Ham won 19 fixtures (52 goals) versus Fulham’s 7 wins (40 goals). In the last meeting at Craven Cottage (Sept 2024) the sides drew 1-1. Notably, Fulham dominated possession (54.4% vs 45.6%) and created 21 shots compared to West Ham’s 11, yet neither side could claim the win. The winner of this derby often gains momentum, so expect both sides to be highly motivated. West Ham need points to climb out of trouble, while Fulham will look to strengthen their top-half position.

Key Facts:
– Date & Venue: London Stadium (home of West Ham United).
– Competition: English Premier League (2024/25 season).
– Previous Result: West Ham 3–2 Fulham (Jan 14, 2025), Potter’s first game.

Team News

West Ham Team News

West Ham’s injury list is long. Captain Jarrod Bowen (broken foot) is out for months, and Michail Antonio is still sidelined after his December car accident. Newly-signed striker Niclas Fullkrug tore a hamstring in Potter’s debut and is ruled out for “months”. Winger Crysencio Summerville (concussion) also misses out, as do goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and midfielder Kalvin Phillips (both injured earlier in the season). On the plus side, summer signing Edson Álvarez returns from suspension, and Potter reshuffled his lineup in the FA Cup, giving starts to Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paquetá. Expect Kudus to spearhead the attack with Paquetá in a free role behind him.

Veteran Lukasz Fabiański keeps goal, with a back-four likely of Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, and returning left-back Emerson Palmieri. Defensively stable Konstantinos Mavropanos is fit and continues alongside Kilman. In midfield, Declan Rice has already departed to Arsenal, so players like Manuel Lanzini have taken on more creative duties earlier this season. Potter may set up with a makeshift midfield of Álvarez, Pivotal Damian Souček, Paquetá and Sébastien Haller (if fit; otherwise Kudus at 10).

Possible West Ham lineup: Fabiański – Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Kilman, Palmieri – Álvarez, Souček – Kudus, Paquetá, Souček – Kudus, Paquetá.

Fulham Team News

Fulham’s squad is more intact, but Marco Silva has key absences too. International players Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze are at AFCON and unavailable. Domestic injuries include striker Rodrigo Muniz (thigh) and winger Ryan Sessegnon (thigh); both are out until the New Year. The big question is Harry Wilson: he picked up a knock against Nottingham Forest and will be assessed late on – Silva has called him “touch and go”. Midfielders João Palhinha and Andreas Pereira have returned to fitness, while Bernd Leno is the settled goalkeeper.

Tactically, Silva may start Willian or Timothy Castagne on the wing. The big-money signing Raúl Jiménez leads the line (he scored in the last match vs West Ham), with Tom Cairney and Willian supplying creativity. Defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream are key, anchoring Fulham’s back line. Overall, Fulham have no late suspensions, but Silva must replace his AFCON stars.

Key Players to Watch

Lucas Paquetá (West Ham): The Brazilian midfield playmaker (signed from Lyon) has the creativity to unlock defences. Paquetá scored the winner in the last Fulham game and will be crucial linking West Ham’s midfield and attack.
Mohamed Kudus (West Ham): The Ghanaian forward/winger is likely to lead West Ham’s attack in Fullkrug’s absence. Kudus has pace and dribbling to trouble Fulham’s defence and can play in several attacking roles.
Harry Wilson (Fulham): Fulham’s form player, Wilson has 5 goals and 3 assists so far (via the Standard). If fit, he will be Fulham’s main set-piece taker and attacking threat from midfield.
Raúl Jiménez (Fulham): On loan from Wolves, the Mexican striker scored the opener in the last Fulham–West Ham match. Jiménez’s movement in the box is dangerous; West Ham’s defenders must stay alert to him.
Andreas Pereira (Fulham): The Brazilian attacking midfielder often drifts wide and has been one of Fulham’s most creative outlets. Pereira’s link-up play and vision are key against West Ham’s midfield.

Head-to-Head and Stats

West Ham vs Fulham Historically, West Ham hold the advantage in this fixture. In 35 Premier League meetings since 2001, West Ham have won 19 games (scoring 52 goals) to Fulham’s 7 wins (40 goals). The teams drew the other 9 contests. Recent stats underscore Fulham’s threat: in the September 2024 meeting at Craven Cottage, Fulham controlled possession (54.4% vs 45.6%) and had 21 shots (5 on target) against West Ham’s 11 shots (3 on target) – yet the game ended 1-1. This suggests Fulham will not be intimidated at the London Stadium. Form-wise, both teams are eager: West Ham will aim to show improvement under Potter, while Fulham look to build on a 1-0 Forest win.

How to Watch & Live Updates

For fans wanting live coverage, broadcasters will carry the match. In the UK, Sky Sports holds Premier League rights (check Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Premier League) on Tuesday. In the US, the game will be broadcast by NBC/Peacock. (NBC Sports schedules “West Ham United v Fulham – Watch live on Peacock” at 10:00am ET.) For in-game updates, follow official channels (West Ham’s and Fulham’s social media) or live blogs on sports news sites. We will also update this preview with key events and goals as they happen, so return here for live updates.

Match Predictions & Betting Tips

Bookmakers have Fulham as slight favourites based on recent form, but unpredictable London derbies often defy the odds. Both teams have strong attacking players on paper. Given the absences and West Ham’s home advantage, some pundits predict a tight game (e.g. a 1-1 draw was predicted on TV). Others note that Fulham may frustrate West Ham by holding possession. Bettors could watch for a both teams to score scenario (as happened the last time), or a narrow win by either side. Always gamble responsibly West Ham vs Fulham.

Engagement & Call to Action

What do you think? Will West Ham secure a crucial win or will Fulham pull off an upset? Share your prediction on social media and let us know in the comments below! Follow us on Twitter/X and Facebook for live updates, lineups, and post-match analysis. Your engagement helps our community and boosts visibility. Don’t forget to subscribe for notifications – you’ll then get alerts as soon as we post live commentary and statistics during the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is West Ham vs Fulham taking place?

The fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the London Stadium in east London. It is a Premier League match (postponed from winter schedule), kicking off in the evening local time.

How can I watch West Ham vs Fulham live?

In the UK, the match will be televised on Sky Sports (check local listings). In the United States, NBC Sports/Peacock will stream the game live – for example, NBC’s schedule lists “West Ham United v Fulham – Watch live on Peacock” at 10:00am ET. Local broadcasters (e.g. ESPN in some regions, DAZN elsewhere) may also carry the game.

What is the recent head-to-head record between West Ham and Fulham?

West Ham have dominated recent encounters. Since 2001 they have won 19 of 35 PL matches against Fulham, while Fulham have won 7 and 9 games were draws. The previous meeting (Sept 2024) ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams scoring once West Ham vs Fulham.

Who are the key absences/injuries for each team?

West Ham will be without Jarrod Bowen (broken foot), Michail Antonio (injured), Niclas Fullkrug (hamstring), and other squad players. Fulham will miss Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi (AFCON duty), plus Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon (injured). Harry Wilson’s fitness will be decided just before kick-off.

What happened in the last West Ham vs Fulham match?

On January 14, 2025, West Ham edged Fulham 3-2 at the London Stadium. Graham Potter’s side came from behind to win – Lucas Paquetá scored the winner – giving Potter a winning start. Alex Iwobi scored both goals for Fulham. That victory lifted West Ham to 12th in the table (26 points) with Fulham in 9th (30 points).

Who are the key players to watch?

For West Ham: Lucas Paquetá and Mohammed Kudus (attacking threats) and captain Declan Souček (in midfield) are crucial. For Fulham: Harry Wilson (midfield creator), Raúl Jiménez (striker) and João Palhinha (midfield enforcer) are key. All four could decide the game.

Conclusion

The West Ham vs Fulham London derby promises to be an exciting, tightly contested match. Both sides have talented squads and plenty on the line. West Ham will be desperate to break their poor run, especially under new boss Graham Potter, while Fulham aim to continue their upward form under Marco Silva. With the stadium likely sold out and bragging rights at stake, expect a passionate atmosphere. Stay tuned for our live updates and in-depth analysis throughout the game. For now, fans should buckle up for what should be a compelling tactical battle between these two London clubs. Enjoy the game, and may the best team win!