West Ham welcome Fulham to the London Stadium for a Carabao Cup tie between two sides heading into the match in very different form. The hosts have won four consecutive games, while Fulham are still searching for their first away victory of the season.

West Ham building momentum

West Ham may be playing one level below Fulham, but they enter this match with the better form. Four straight victories have given them confidence, and another win would send them through at the expense of Premier League opposition.

Playing at the London Stadium is also important. West Ham will not want to sit back and allow Fulham to control the game simply because the visitors compete at a higher level. Their recent results give them every reason to attack this tie.

The cup may lead to changes in the starting lineup, but West Ham should still carry a threat going forward. Players coming into the team have an opportunity to earn more minutes, while the current winning run should ensure that the level of confidence remains high.

Fulham need to improve away from home

Fulham have struggled to produce results on their travels and arrive without a victory in their last seven away matches. That record makes them difficult to support as favourites at the London Stadium.

Their recent 3–2 defeat against Crystal Palace showed that they can create chances, but it also highlighted their problems defensively. Scoring twice was not enough after they allowed Palace to find the net three times.

Fulham should still be dangerous against opposition from a lower division. Their squad contains enough quality to create opportunities, particularly if West Ham commit players forward in search of another home victory.

The question is whether Fulham can keep the hosts under control. West Ham arrive in form, and the visitors have not shown enough away from home to suggest this will be a comfortable evening.

The cup format should create chances

There is little between the teams in the match-winner market. Fulham have the stronger squad on paper, while West Ham have home advantage and four consecutive victories behind them.

That makes the goals market more attractive than choosing which team will advance. Both sides have reasons to attack, and neither can protect a draw if the score remains level.

The opening goal could change the match quickly. If West Ham score first, Fulham will have to push forward and leave more space behind. If Fulham take the lead, the hosts will need to respond in front of their own supporters.

Possible rotation could also contribute to a more open game. Changes may bring fresh energy into both attacks, but unfamiliar defensive combinations can create mistakes and give each side more opportunities.

Verdict

West Ham’s winning run cannot be ignored, especially with the match being played at the London Stadium. Fulham are the higher-level side, but seven away games without a victory makes it difficult to back them at a short price.

Both teams have a realistic route into the next round, and that should produce an increasingly open contest. Fulham have the quality to score, but their recent defensive problems give an in-form West Ham side a good chance of contributing as well.

A 2–1 result in either direction looks more likely than a controlled victory for one side. We are therefore backing the match to produce at least three goals.

Tip

Over 2.5 goals