The upcoming round of the EFL Cup promises some cracking fixtures, including a match between West Ham and Fulham – a fixture we’re used to seeing in the Premier League. The difference this season, however, is that the Hammers are no longer in the top flight.
West Ham were relegated from the Premier League for the first time in 15 years, but they are well placed to return as early as next season. They are currently top of the Championship, having scored the most goals in the league with 20 in 7 matches.
Despite all the player sales that befall every relegated club, the Hammers’ squad remains good enough for the top flight, and is even worth more than that of Hull City, who are the lowest-valued team in the Premier League.
So the fact that they are in the Championship does not make Fulham automatic favourites, especially given their current form.
The Cottagers remain winless in the top flight after four rounds and are in the relegation zone. Their only win since the start of the season came against AFC Wimbledon in the previous round of the EFL Cup, which was a thoroughly predictable result.
Fulham’s main problems lie precisely in their away form; in 2026, they have managed just two wins from a total of 13 away fixtures across all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Advantage for the PL club
The bookmakers are giving Fulham a slight edge as the team from the higher division, but in our view the two sides are perfectly evenly matched at the moment. At the moment, you can back West Ham at 9/4, a draw at 12/5 or Fulham at 21/20.
Recent head-to-head: The Hammers have the edge
West Ham and Fulham have a rich history of long spells spent together in the Premier League, having played 37 matches against each other since the start of the century.
The Hammers lead convincingly with 20 wins, whilst the Cottagers have only eight. In particular, in recent years – and let’s say the last 10 encounters – West Ham have five wins to Fulham’s three, which shows that the two sides have been more evenly matched of late.
Players to watch: Bowen is on a mission
Club legend and captain Jarrod Bowen has reaffirmed his commitment to the club and chosen to stay on to help them return to the top flight. More importantly, he is definitely in top form and looks set to have one of his strongest seasons yet.
After nearly 300 appearances and 93 goals for the club, Bowen has started the season with six goals and four assists in his first 10 matches across all competitions.
Probable line-ups
West Ham: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Morato, Engels, Solomon, Mukasa, Bowen, Castelanos, Piroe
Fulham: Lecomte, Tete, Sessegon, Bassey, Anderson, Charles, Bobb, Reed, Smith Rowe, Kevin, Muniz
Anything else catch the eye?
I reckon Fulham will have their hands full in this away fixture against West Ham, and I think the Hammers may go through. I won’t risk backing them to win outright, but I really like the odds on them progressing.
The fact is, however, that following all the departures, West Ham’s defence isn’t their strongest point, and I doubt Fulham will sit back. I’m expecting a high-scoring thriller.
GambleAware