Fulham (5-3-7) vs. West Ham United (7-3-5)
Fulham vs. West Ham United 12/10/23 – Fulham takes on West Ham United in a crucial English Premier League clash on Sunday morning. This match, scheduled for Sunday at Craven Cottage, promises to be a riveting contest between two sides keen to improve their league standings. Fans and bettors seeking EPL free picks will find this fixture particularly intriguing, given the contrasting styles and forms of the two teams.
Fulham boasts a dangerous attack led by forwards Willian, Raul Jimenez, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who have combined for 9 goals. They could threaten West Ham’s shaky defense, which has allowed 23 goals this season. However, West Ham possesses its own prolific scorer in Jarrod Bowen, whose 9 goals lead the team. His scoring touch could be the difference if Fulham’s defense falters.
Conversely, West Ham’s offense runs through Bowen, Tomas Soucek, and James Ward-Prowse, who have generated 22 goals. Their quick passing and set pieces could break down Fulham’s sturdy back line anchored by goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Yet Fulham has scored enough goals this season to keep pace if its offense gets going. This match may come down to which defense limits the opposing attack most effectively.
Fulham vs. West Ham United 12/10/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 9:00 AM ET |
| Where: | Craven Cottage |
| TV: | PEAC |
| Stream: |
Bernd Leno GK vs Alphonse Areola GK
Veteran goalkeeper Bernd Leno has provided consistently strong play in net for Fulham this season. Through 15 starts, Leno has delivered 5 clean sheets behind a stingy Fulham defense, conceding just 23 total goals. His 62 saves and 75% save percentage demonstrate his reliability in stopping shots. Leno possesses the quickness and reflexes to react to shots from close range. With Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek likely testing Leno frequently, he must maintain his high level of performance in net. If Leno can deny the dangerous West Ham attack on his doorstep, Fulham’s chances of victory rise significantly. Given his track record this season, Leno appears up to the task of stifling Bowen and Soucek.
In contrast, West Ham’s Alphonse Areola has struggled badly in goal, recording just 1 clean sheet in 14 starts while allowing a bloated 23 goals. Areola’s measly 49 saves and 68% save percentage show his inability to regularly stonewall opposing attacks. Areola has also been guilty of poor decision making and positioning this season. Against a Fulham attack led by the crafty veteran Willian and skilled scorer Raul Jimenez, Areola could be in for a long day. If Areola cannot suddenly improve his play in net, Fulham should find plenty of holes to exploit. For West Ham to stay competitive, Areola must display better quickness, focus, and shot stopping ability versus a Fulham attack eager to add to his goals against total.
Soccer Odds/Point Spread: Fulham +162, Total Odds: 2.5
The betting odds slightly favor Fulham, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. However, the narrow point spread indicates a closely contested match. Bettors should consider both teams’ current form, home vs. away performance, and key player matchups when assessing these odds.
Fulham Betting Trends
Fulham is 1-3 straight up in its last 5 matches, indicating potential value as a +162 underdog in this contest. However, Fulham is just 2-3 against the spread during that stretch. One positive – Fulham is 5-3 against the spread in its road games, meaning it often plays close contests away from home. With competent offenses on both sides, the over 2.5 total goals could also hit.
West Ham United Betting Trends
Riding a 4-1 run the last 5 games, West Ham appears to be rounding into form after an inconsistent start. Still, West Ham is just 1-4 against the spread during that span, meaning they are winning close games as opposed to blowing teams out. West Ham is also 1-2 against the spread on the road this season. The over 3 total goals has hit in 3 of West Ham’s last 5 outings as well.
Fulham vs. West Ham United 12/10/23 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and betting trends, this matchup is poised to be a tightly contested battle. Fulham’s home advantage and offensive capabilities could be offset by West Ham’s stronger attacking form and midfield dynamism.
For the final thoughts and top-rated sports picks, while Fulham might leverage their home ground, West Ham’s overall form and attacking edge could tilt the scale in their favor. Bettors might look into prop bets, considering the offensive capabilities of both teams, and the over/under bet could be intriguing, given the trends.
Free Pick and Prediction: West Ham United 2, Fulham 1.