Fulham is set to play its final match of 2025 on Saturday as they visit West Ham United at the London Stadium for round 18 of the Premier League. The Cottagers are aiming for a third consecutive league win, a feat they haven’t achieved since January 2023. Meanwhile, West Ham will be eager to turn their fortunes around after struggling in the league.
As the 2025-26 Premier League season approaches the halfway mark, West Ham finds itself in the relegation zone, trailing safety by five points in what has been a disappointing campaign. Their recent form has been particularly poor, having lost to Manchester City 3-0 last week following a narrow defeat against Aston Villa. This run has left them without a win in their last six games, leading to a bleak tally of only three points from the last 18 available.
The Hammers have been particularly vulnerable at home, winning just two of their last 13 outings at the London Stadium, with eight losses mixed with three draws since March. Nonetheless, history could play in West Ham’s favor. They have enjoyed a strong record against Fulham, who haven’t won at the London Stadium in 13 league visits, suffering nine losses during that period.
On the other hand, Fulham’s season has seen them display a mixture of performance levels. Despite facing difficulties, they managed a 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest last week, marking their second consecutive win in the league. The Cottagers have racked up seven wins overall, which places them in the middle of the standings with 23 points from 17 games, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League.
However, the team will be without key players this weekend. Fulham’s African contingent—including Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi—are participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). They will also miss Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz due to a hamstring injury, as well as Ryan Sessegnon, who is out with a muscle problem.
The potential lineups for the match see West Ham possibly fielding Areola in goal, supported by a back four featuring Walker-Peters, Kilman, Todibo, and Julio, while Fulham may opt for Leno between the posts and a defense led by Andersen and Cuenca.
As they prepare for their clash, both teams are looking to capitalize on their current form. With 21 goals scored in their last seven meetings, the matchup is expected to provide excitement, and early predictions suggest a 1-1 draw could be on the cards. The outcome of this match will be critical for both clubs as they aim for a turning point in their respective seasons.