Fulham vs West Ham Betting Preview & Tips

FULHAM take on West Ham on Saturday in the Premier League. Marcus Ally (@Marcus_Ally_4) oversees the encounter.

Fulham vs West Ham | Saturday 6th February 2021, 17:30 | Sky Sports

It is crunch time for Scott Parker’s Fulham this Saturday evening when they host free-scoring West Ham. Brighton's unlikely win at Anfield in midweek darkened the Cottagers’ situation, now eight points adrift of safety with 17 cup finals remaining.

The must-win nature of their matches begins against a Hammers side who have scored 15 goals in their last five outings. David Moyes’ men rightfully come in as favourites for this London derby sitting in fifth, though they are definitely running a little hot. The visitors had the shortcomings of Aston Villa gloveman Emiliano Martinez to thank for their 3-1 win in Birmingham last time out.

Process

The hosts have underperformed hugely going forward but have been fortunate in defence, with Alphonse Areola saving their bacon in recent weeks. Parker’s men need Aleksandar Mitrovic to enter the form of his life if they are to survive, with a front two of no recognised strikers in Ademola Lookman and Ivan Cavaleiro not cutting it in the English topflight.

They have scored just 17 goals from chances equating to 25 expected goals (xG), ranking them 14th for expected goals for (xGF). Then seeing their luck take an upturn in conceding just 31 from 36.7 expected goals against (xGA), it is a relegation scrapping process.

The Hammers have a sustainable process and have seen wins by fine margins heavily contributed to them pushing for the European spots. They have scored 34 from 35.2 xGF and conceded 28 from 28 xGA.

Said Benrahma will have great memories of tormenting Fulham with his former employers Brentford last season, albeit losing out in the playoff final, the Algerian is still looking for his first goal in the Claret and Blue. He is 9/2 to score at anytime with Betfred, the 25-year-old has registered nine shots on target from 21 efforts in the league, accruing 2.13 xG, maybe his time has come.

Goals?

Initially I saw this as a match to get against goals but with pressure heaping on Fulham they have to go for the win, they are good enough to breach the Hammers’ backline and in doing so could be left short at the back. With the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma and now Jesse Lingard, West Ham will be ready to pounce.

Fulham have scored in five of 10.
Fulham have conceded in seven of 10.
Fulham have seen both teams score in four of 10.
Fulham have seen over 2.5 goals in three of 10.
West Ham have scored in nine of 10.
West Ham have conceded in five of 10.
West Ham have seen both teams score in five of 10, but in all of their last three.
West Ham have seen over 2.5 goals in six of 10, but in all of their last five.