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Fulham vs West Ham United preview, H2H, team news, line-ups and prediction

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West Ham United will make the short trip from East London to West London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage in their second London derby of the season on Saturday.

Both teams are currently in the lower mid-table, with Fulham in 12th place after earning four points from their first three matches, while West Ham sit 13th with just three points from the same number of games.

Despite Fulham achieving a double over West Ham last season, the Hammers had won five of their six previous encounters before that.

Fulham fans might be slightly disheartened by their 13th-place finish last season, a decline from their previous campaign. Marco Silva’s side started the new season with a tough match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, losing 1-0. Although the result was narrow, Fulham had several missed opportunities.

They bounced back with a 2-1 win over Leicester City but drew 0-0 with newly-promoted Ipswich Town before the international break.

Against Ipswich, Liam Delap scored with a precise shot in the 15th minute, marking his first goal since joining from Manchester City. However, Fulham’s Adama Traore equalized with a low drive before half-time.

Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, made several crucial saves after the break to keep Ipswich from securing their first top-flight win since April 2002. Despite opportunities for Rodrigo Muniz, Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi, and Raul Jimenez, Ipswich’s goal was rarely under constant threat.

The 1-1 draw maintained Fulham’s record of not winning more than one of their opening three Premier League matches since 2008.

Looking to secure a top-half finish this season, Fulham can be optimistic about their recent strong performances against West Ham. Last season, they achieved a remarkable 5-0 victory at Craven Cottage and won both encounters by a combined score of 7-0.

West Ham are embarking on a new era following David Moyes’s departure at the end of last season, despite his achievement of securing a top-half finish and leading the team to European success. Moyes was succeeded by Julen Lopetegui, marking his second stint in the Premier League after his previous role at Wolves.

Lopetegui’s start with West Ham has been mixed. The Hammers lost their season opener against Aston Villa, won their first London derby of the season against Crystal Palace, but went into the international break after a defeat to reigning champions Manchester City. In that match, Erling Haaland scored early for City, and although Ruben Dias inadvertently scored an own goal from a Jarrod Bowen cross to level the game, West Ham ultimately fell short.

The equalizer gave West Ham a renewed energy, but Manchester City regained control and went back ahead 11 minutes later. Rico Lewis provided the assist with a precise pass, and after one touch, he fired a powerful strike past Areola.

Lukasz Fabianski replaced Areola at halftime, but West Ham struggled to make an impact. They nearly equalized again when Mohammed Kudus, set up by Bowen, hit the woodwork.

City then extended their lead as Matheus Nunes delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Erling Haaland, who secured his 11th hat-trick for the club and the 24th of his career with a signature lofted strike.

West Ham will look to end their two-match losing streak when they face Fulham on Saturday.

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by News Time

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Liverpool could beat Chelsea to Marc Guehi with Anfield his ‘preferred destination

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Chelsea and Liverpool are set to target central defenders this summer, with both clubs competing for Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old may leave Crystal Palace as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, with a move to one of England’s top clubs likely.

According to the Sunday Mirror (h/t Sky Sports), Liverpool are in pole position to sign Marc Guehi ahead of Chelsea, with Anfield described as his ‘preferred destination’. The Reds are concerned about Virgil van Dijk’s future beyond this season, while Ibrahima Konate has also been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Guehi won’t come cheap despite his contract expiring soon, mainly due to the intense competition for his signature this summer. In addition to Chelsea and Liverpool, Newcastle United are also considered a potential destination, just months after Crystal Palace set a £75 million price tag on their top central defender.

Liverpool could break the bank for Guehi

Liverpool have been linked with several forwards in recent months, and while rebuilding in attack remains a priority this summer, their defense also deserves equal attention. There is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk, making defensive reinforcements crucial.

If three of their key players are set to leave in the coming months, the Reds will need a world-class option in defense, and few are better than Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old has been praised as an “unbelievable” player by compatriot Kyle Walker, who commended his leadership and professionalism during last summer’s Euro 2024.

With Premier League experience and a regular spot in the England national team, Marc Guehi has a strong profile that could convince Liverpool to meet his £75 million valuation this summer. However, it remains to be seen how much truth there is to Anfield being his preferred destination, especially considering recent reports suggesting he may favor staying in London, giving Chelsea an advantage.

 

 

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by News Time

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Arsenal and Liverpool keen on Isak – Romano

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Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are interested in signing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with Liverpool also in the mix.

The Gunners are set to strengthen their centre-forward position this summer. While Kai Havertz has impressed with key goals, manager Mikel Arteta may seek an upgrade upfront.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that the Gunners are closely pursuing Isak, who has scored 23 goals for Newcastle this season, with only 3 coming from the penalty spot.

The renowned journalist highlighted that Isak is the top target for the London club, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko also a key name on their summer wishlist.

However, Arsenal are not alone in the pursuit of the player. Premier League rivals Liverpool are also interested in the Swede and have made contact with his camp ahead of a potential move.

Romano said: “Big, big, massive proposals will come for Alexander Isak. Arsenal will be there, Liverpool are also interested. For Arsenal, he’s the absolute top target, with Isak and Sesko as the main names. For Liverpool, he’s one of the options they’re considering, and they’ve made contact with those close to Isak.”

World-class striker

The Gunners have finished 2nd in the last two Premier League seasons and are expected to finish as runners-up again. With 9 games left, they are 12 points behind leaders Liverpool. Unless there’s a surprise collapse from the Reds, Liverpool are set to claim their 2nd Premier League title.

Arsenal’s failure to sign an elite striker has cost them, and they may look to correct this by purchasing Isak from the Magpies. The ‘world-class‘ star has been in sensational form this season, recently outclassing Virgil van Dijk to score Newcastle’s winning goal against the Reds in the Carabao Cup final.

The Magpies will be keen to keep hold of Isak this summer, but could consider cashing in for a significant fee if they miss out on the Champions League. Arsenal will be ready to capitalize on the situation to sign the 25-year-old striker, though they’ll need to be cautious of Liverpool’s interest, as they may also look to upgrade their no.9 for next season.

Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz have all taken turns leading the line this season, but none have been consistent enough. Isak would elevate their attack and significantly boost their Premier League and Champions League title hopes for next season. With Isak leading the charge, they could become favorites.

 

 

 

 

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by News Time

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Liverpool and Arsenal vying to sign Joao Pedro

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Liverpool reportedly in battle with Arsenal to sign Brighton’s Joao Pedro, says Graeme Bailey.

After appointing Arne Slot as manager last summer, the Reds enjoyed a fantastic first half of the season, even dreaming of winning the quadruple at one point.

However, Liverpool’s form has dipped in recent weeks, with their FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle followed by a failure to secure a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Last weekend, they lost the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United. As a result, Slot’s side can only end the season with the Premier League title, where they currently sit at the top with a 12-point lead.

Now, according to TBR Football, Bailey reports that Slot is eager to strengthen the frontline by signing a new striker, with Pedro on his wishlist. As a result, the Reds could make a serious move to bring him to Anfield in the upcoming transfer window.

Battle

The 23-year-old, valued at around £42m by Transfermarkt, has a contract with the Seagulls until 2028. With no release clause in his deal, Fabian Hurzele’s side is in a strong position to demand a high fee if they are forced to sell him this summer.

The journalist claims that Liverpool aren’t the only club interested in the Brazilian, as Arsenal and Chelsea are also eager to lure him away from the AMEX Stadium.

The Gunners are reportedly planning to sign a new striker this summer to help them finally win the Premier League. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are the current centre-forward options, but neither has proven capable of leading the North London club to their ambitious goals. Now, both have picked up season-ending injuries.

Pedro is a versatile forward, comfortable playing as a centre-forward or on the left wing. Additionally, he can provide cover in the attacking midfield position if needed.

The former Watford man has impressed in the Premier League this season, earning a spot in Brazil’s squad for the current international break.

Pedro is a versatile forward, comfortable playing as a centre-forward or on the left wing. Additionally, he can step in as an attacking midfielder if needed.

The former Watford player has delivered impressive performances in the Premier League this season, earning him a call-up to Brazil’s squad for the current international break.

Pedro is a Premier League proven player so he might be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Liverpool if either club purchase him this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by News Time

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