Premier League Matchday 29: West Ham vs. Fulham

Start Time: 9:00 a.m. CST on April 8, 2023

Location: Craven Cottage, West London, England

FanDuel Betting Odds: West Ham +165; Draw +210; Fulham +180

West Ham (15th in the Premier League); Manager: David Moyes

Recent Results: 1-5 loss vs. Newcastle (Premier League); 1-0 win vs. Southampton (Premier League); 4-0 win vs. AEK Larnaca (Europa Conference League).

Fulham (10th in the Premier League); Manager: Marco Silva

Recent Results: 1-2 loss vs. AFC Bournemouth (Premier League); 1-3 loss vs. Manchester United (FA Cup); 0-3 loss vs. Arsenal (Premier League).

FotMob Projected Lineups:

After one of the most embarrassing losses in recent club history, West Ham travel across London to Craven Cottage for a crucial Premier League fixture against Fulham. The Hammers come into this matchup sitting 15th in the top flight, hovering above the relegation zone on goal difference.

It took only six minutes for Callum Wilson to find the net for Newcastle on Wednesday, and the Magpies never looked back. Defensive errors and general cluelessness led to a 5-1 thumping at the London Stadium. I was embarrassed for Moyes and the players, who inch closer toward a potential relegation.

I try not to be too reactionary from game to game, but man Tomas Soucek has been horrible for some time now. The Czech international completed only eight passes in his 63 minutes of action and was slipping all over the rain-soaked pitch. Knowing how stubborn Moyes is, he'd rather stick with his guns than make a necessary change in that area of the midfield. There's no reason why Lanzini or Downes should still be sitting on the bench.

In terms of actually scoring goals, it's abundantly clear Scamacca, Ings, and Antonio would all benefit from a striking partnership. Match after match West Ham supporters watch a lone striker wander around the halfway line for 90 minutes. It's the same issue Haller had when he was at the club, and it's becoming insufferable.

Luckily for the Hammers, Saturday's opponents have several issues of their own. The Lily Whites are currently 10th in the Premier League but have suffered defeats in their last four matches. They most recently lost to AFC Bournemouth, giving the Cherries a lifeline at the bottom of the table.

Despite the recent losses, Marco Silva's Fulham have been one of the bright stories of the season, as they've gone from relegation favorites to fighting for a European position.

Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha has been one of the signings of the season, Brazilian attacker Willian has had a late-career renaissance, and Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has 11 goals to lead the Lily Whites.

However, after pushing a referee in the FA Cup against Manchester United, Mitrovic was handed an eight-match ban, which he is serving now. Without Mitrovic, Fulham will rely on Brazilians Andres Pereira and Vinicius to find the scoresheet.

Even though West Ham has lost their last six away London derbies, this matchup favors the Hammers. They haven't lost against Fulham in their last eight meetings (6W, 2D).

With 10 matches to go in this Premier League season, it's make-or-break time for the Hammers. Moyes HAS to go if we lose, but West Ham always seems to pull out a victory from these precarious situations. Could go as high as 12th with all three points. 🤷

Premier League Matchday 29 Prediction: West Ham 3 Fulham 1

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