Premier League: Fulham v West Ham match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s Premier League fixture at Craven Cottage

Fulham manager Martin Jol (GETTY IMAGES)

The Cottagers will be looking to bounce back after the weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, and end a poor run of form which has seen Martin Jol's side win just two of their last fifteen league games.

With another match against Manchester United at the weekend, Jol knows the importance of this match, with anything less than victory likely to lead to pressure on his job. The Dutchman has labelled tonight's fixture as "vital".

West Ham come into tonight’s London derby with a dreadful record of seven away losses. Only Reading have lost more games on the road than the Hammers this season.

Emmanuel Frimpong could make his debut for the home side after signing on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season. Full back Kieran Richardson is available after missing the cup-tie against his old club Manchester United with a calf strain.

West Ham have Marouane Chamakh available for selection with the loanee having been ineligible to face parent club Arsenal in the Hammer’s last league outing. West Ham are hopeful Andy Carroll cam overcome a knee problem and return to the squad. Defender Emmanuel Pogatetz could make his debut after signing on loan from German club Wolfsburg until the end of the season.

KICK-OFF: 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

West Ham 3 (Nolan, Reid, Taylor) Fulham 0, Premier League, September 2012

Fulham 1 (Hughes), West Ham 3 (Cole 2, Piquionne), Premier League, December 2010

West Ham 1 (Piquionne) Fulham 1 (Dempsey) , Premier League, October 2010

STATS…

The reverse league fixture earlier this season was the first time in seven meetings that either of the teams managed to record a clean sheet.

Fulham will be hoping to restore local pride and give fans bragging rights, in five London derbies this season, they have drawn two games, losing the other three.

West Ham have been goal-shy away from home this season - their tally of six goals is the fewest any Premier League side has managed this season.

ODDS…

Fulham to win: 2.3

West Ham to win: 3.1

Draw: 3.3

CLASSIC MATCH...

The 3-3 draw at Upton Park back in January 2007 between the London clubs saw five scorers, a last minute equaliser and ex-West Ham and former Fulham striker Bobby Zamora managing to score and get sent off for the home side.

TV: Highlights BBC, 10.35pm