What to Watch For: West Ham vs Fulham

West Ham’s current run under David Moyes has been built upon getting results against “the others” – teams that are not part of the traditional “Big Club” group.

Keep the Record Going Against the “Others”

The Hammers record against those sides is 11 Wins-3 Draws- 1 Loss.

And hear comes Fulham for another London Derby.  The Cottagers are squarely part of the others, winners of just two matches on the season, and losers of three in a row.  They currently are in 18th place in the table; 8 points away from safety. West Ham has a 61% winning percentage against Fulham, and considering the form of both clubs, that should continue here.

If you can’t score, you can’t win and the Cottagers have only managed 7 home goals all season.  Against a stingy West Ham defence, that doesn’t figure to increase.

And not to add insult on top of injury, but Fulham Manager and ex Hammer Scott Parker does not have a good record in these Derbies either.

More Jesse Lingard Please

The Man of the Match in his Hammers debut, midfielder Jesse Lingard was head and shoulders the Irons best player vs Villa on Tuesday. And that’s saying something considering how well the team played and the fact that Lingard waited 192 days in between Premier League games!

His skill was on full display in banging home the brace. He also provided what the Hammers have been missing with their other attacking midfielders, excellent link-up play, the ability to make the perfect pass and finish his chances.  In other words, the total package. Something Manuel Lanzini, Pablo Fornals, and Said Benrahma can’t say—despite them all contributing in other ways this season.

Some were surprised and maybe even mad to see Jarod Bowen and Fornals out vs Villa in part to make way for Lingard, but full marks to Moyes for making the switch that won the match.

And because you never change a winning side, figure to see more of Jesse Lingard in this match.  The one tactical change will be the removal of Ryan Fredericks who was employed solely to stop Jack Grealish.

It will be a big surprise and even bigger disappointment if West Ham can’t follow up the Villa win with all three points vs Fulham in a Matchweek 23 London Derby.

Keep Using All Three Subs

With this very busy fixture list, David Moyes would do well to continue to employ all three subs just as he did on Monday.

However none came on before the 80-minute mark, and the last sub, Jarrod Bowen came on in the 90th minute.

The manner and method as to how Moyes uses his subs (or lack thereof) has been a point of contention amongst supporters for a while now.

As the club continues to push on for a European football finish, keeping everyone fit is going to be key. It could also be an advantage against other clubs who are about to begin European matches again to face a more rested West Ham side. If Moyes will continue to use his subs wisely.

It would also be an opportunity to get some of the younger players some game action vs Fulham (and vs Sheffield)  if the matches warrant.

Where to Watch

West Ham vs Fulham TV Coverage   UK: Sky Go UK /Now TV     USA: NBC   CAN: DAZN

AUS: Optus Sport  CHN: QQ Sports Live   MEX: Sky HD  UAE: BeIn Sports  HD2