Fulham v West Ham preview

London duo lock horns after midweek losses

Last updated: 26th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fulham v West Ham preview

Zola: Cottagers clash

Skysports.com prediction: Fulham 1 West Ham 1

Sky Bet odds: Fulham 11/8, Draw 9/4, West Ham 2/1

One to Watch: Jimmy Bullard

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London clubs Fulham and West Ham United lock horns on Saturday with both sides keen to rid their memories of midweek Carling Cup disappointments.

Both Premier League teams suffered defeat to Championship opposition and are aiming to bounce back at Craven Cottage.

Roy Hodgson's Cottagers have recorded two victories in their four league fixtures this term.

The Hammers, meanwhile, lie sixth in the table, having amassed a total of nine points from their opening five outings.

West Ham's recent away record in the league is poor, but they will be optimistic of bucking that trend as their last success on the road came at Fulham in February.

Gianfranco Zola enjoyed an excellent bow in charge at Upton Park with a win over unsettled Newcastle, but he will be aware Hodgson's troops will provide a sterner examination of his managerial abilities.

Team news

Hodgson is set to continue to put his faith in strike duo Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora, who faces his former club after joining Fulham over the summer.

Diomansy Kamara (knee) remains a long-term injury victim, but Hodgson has no fresh fitness concerns to contend with for the encounter.

Zola will be without striker Dean Ashton after the news that he will undergo surgery on a troublesome ankle problem.

The Italian coach is hopeful forwards Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole will be available with the pair both recently suffering with respective groin and ankle troubles.

Defender Calum Davenport could also return to the squad as the club look to record their first league clean sheet in 18 attempts.

Possible starting XIs

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Bullard, Murphy, Gera, Zamora, Johnson.

West Ham: Green, Ilunga, Neill, Davenport, Upson, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Etherington, Cole, Di Michele.