Premier League preview: Fulham v West Ham

Fulham and West Ham do battle at Craven Cottage on Sunday, with both desperate to turn their flagging fortunes around.

Both sides have picked up just two Premier League wins this season and the pressure is mounting on their respective managers – Fulham boss Mark Hughes and West Ham’s Avram Grant.

In one of just two Premier League fixtures to take place last weekend, West Ham gained a credible 1-1 away draw at Blackburn, a welcome confidence boost according to Grant.

“You saw with all the injuries we have, we came to a difficult place and were the better side,” Grant said.

“I believe we can stay up because I see the performances that we’ve had until now and the points gap. I think it’s possible.”

The former Chelsea boss also denied suggestions he needs to post a win in the club’s next two matches to save his job.

“I spoke with the owners and they didn’t tell me anything about this,” he said.

“We just spoke about football, as we always do, and how we can make the team stronger in January. That’s all.”

Grant, who is expected to delve into the January transfer market to strengthen the playing ranks at Upton Park, has been forced to recall striker Freddie Sears from a loan spell at Championship outfit Scunthorpe United.

Sears, 21, may be thrown into action immediately despite failing to score in his nine-match loan spell.

First-choice goalkeeper Robert Green, who missed Saturday’s trip to Blackburn due to the removal of a cyst, is expected to return for the London derby, while Victor Obinna (bruised leg) and Valon Behrami (thigh) are in doubt.

Like Grant, Hughes is also under pressure to keep his job, particularly given that his side are winless in seven league fixtures and are lingering perilously close to the relegation zone.

Recent results have prompted rumours that owner Mohamed Al Fayed is ready to appoint former Tottenham and Ajax boss Martin Jol if Hughes cannot rectify the slump.

But Hughes is well aware of the need for his side to push up the table and will be hoping a busy Christmas period can represent a change in fortunes.

“We’re fully aware of where we are and it’s a real frustration for us,” Hughes said.

“We’re really conscious of the fact that you have to get points on the board. That’s what we’ll do. The Christmas period is a real opportunity to do that.”