Fulham will host Hull City in the seventh round of the Premier League on Saturday, 17 October, with the home side still searching for its first victory of the season.
The London club have taken only two points from their opening six league matches, drawing twice and losing four times. That record leaves Fulham at the bottom of the table and has reportedly placed manager Alvaro Arbeloa under increasing pressure.
The coming fixtures could determine Arbeloa’s future at the club. If results do not improve, the Spanish manager is expected to be dismissed.
Hull City have made a more encouraging start to life in the top flight. The Tigers have won two of their six matches, including a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, while three other games have ended in draws. Their only defeat so far leaves them with nine points and eighth place in the Premier League standings.
Recent form offers little to separate the teams decisively. Fulham have recorded just one win in their past six matches, while Hull City are without a victory in their last five games.
The sides have met 89 times. Fulham have won 32 of those encounters, compared with 35 victories for Hull City, while the remaining 22 matches ended level.
Despite Fulham’s position at the foot of the table, bookmakers regard the hosts as favourites for the upcoming fixture.
The prediction is for an entertaining, high-scoring match, but one in which neither side manages to claim all three points.