Tottenham vs Fulham: Can Spurs Rebound in Critical London Derby? Full Preview & Analysis

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Tottenham vs Fulham: Can Spurs Rebound in Critical London Derby? Full Preview & Analysis

Quick Read

  • Tottenham are 9th in the Premier League table with 18 points; Fulham are 15th with 14 points.
  • Spurs have lost their last two games and conceded seven goals in November.
  • Fulham have won two of their last three Premier League meetings against Spurs.
  • Tottenham have the worst home record in 2025 among ever-present clubs; Fulham have the league’s worst away record.
  • Key players missing: Dragusin, Bissouma, Maddison, Solanke, Kulusevski (Spurs); Robinson, Muniz (Fulham).

Tottenham vs Fulham: The Stakes of a London Derby

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set for a high-stakes Premier League showdown on Sunday, November 30, as Tottenham Hotspur host Fulham for Matchweek 13. Both clubs arrive with much to prove, and the narrative is anything but straightforward.

Spurs, now under the stewardship of Thomas Frank, began the 2025-26 campaign with optimism, riding the momentum of their Europa League triumph. But football, ever fickle, has dealt them a harsh reality check: consecutive defeats to arch-rivals Arsenal and European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain have exposed defensive frailties and left fans demanding a response.

Fulham, meanwhile, sit 15th in the table, guided by Marco Silva, and come off a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Sunderland. With just 14 points from 12 games, the Cottagers are eager to build momentum and distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Recent Form and Table Positions: Who Needs This More?

Tottenham currently occupy 9th place with 18 points from 12 matches. Their form has been erratic: while they’ve netted 20 goals (an overperformance compared to their expected goals of 11.2), defensive lapses have been costly. November was especially punishing—seven goals conceded in just three league games, a number equal to their entire August-October tally.

Fulham’s journey has been less spectacular but steadier. Four wins, two draws, and six losses place them precariously above the drop. Their away form, however, is a concern: Fulham have earned only one away point all season and lost their last five Premier League games on the road. The last time they endured a worse run away from home was in early 2019.

Head-to-Head: A Shifting Dynamic

For much of the last decade, Tottenham dominated this fixture, winning eight of nine Premier League meetings with Fulham between 2013 and 2023. But the tables have turned. Spurs are winless in their last three against Fulham (one draw, two losses), and Fulham have managed two victories in their last three encounters—matching their total from the previous 23 games combined.

Historically, Spurs boast a 50% win ratio over Fulham, with 48 wins, 16 losses, and 29 draws across 93 meetings. Yet, momentum is a slippery concept, and Fulham’s recent successes inject unpredictability into this contest.

Injury List and Predicted Lineups: Who’s Missing, Who Must Step Up?

Injuries have ravaged Tottenham’s squad, and several key players are sidelined:

  • Radu Dragusin
  • Yves Bissouma
  • James Maddison
  • Dominic Solanke
  • Dejan Kulusevski

For Fulham, the absence of Antonee Robinson and Rodrigo Muniz will be felt, especially in defense and attack.

Tottenham Predicted XI (3-4-2-1):
Vicario (GK); Romero, van de Ven, Danso; Spence, Palhinha, Bentancur, Udogie; Kudus, Odobert; Richarlison

Fulham Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Leno (GK); Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, King, Kevin; Jimenez

Players to Watch: Kudus and Tete in the Spotlight

Mohammed Kudus has been a creative beacon for Spurs amid their injury crisis. The Ghanaian midfielder, recently signed from West Ham and formerly of Ajax, has already contributed four assists and a goal in 11 appearances. His ability to unlock stubborn defenses could be pivotal against Fulham’s resolute back line.

On Fulham’s side, Dutch right-back Kenny Tete brings experience and defensive stability. Having surpassed 100 appearances for the club, Tete’s leadership and defensive prowess will be crucial if Fulham are to keep Spurs at bay.

Key Stats and Trends: The Numbers Behind the Narrative

  • Tottenham have lost more home games (9) and earned fewer home points (12) in 2025 than any other ever-present Premier League side. They haven’t lost 10 home league games in a calendar year since 2003.
  • Fulham’s away record is the league’s worst—just one point all season, with five consecutive losses.
  • Richarlison, Spurs’ main striker, has scored 16 goals in his last 22 Premier League starts but is yet to score against Fulham in eight attempts.
  • Tottenham have used only 20 different players this season—second-fewest in the league.

Betting Tips and Odds: What Do the Bookmakers Say?

Bookmakers slightly favor Tottenham at home, despite their recent woes:

  • Spurs to win: 23/20 (bet365)
  • Richarlison to score first: 15/8 (bet365)
  • Predicted score: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Fulham (11/1, bet365)

Telecast Details: Where to Watch

  • India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network
  • UK: TNT Sports, Sky Sports
  • USA: NBC Sports
  • Nigeria: SuperSport

Final Thoughts: What Will Define This Derby?

Tottenham’s need for a turnaround is acute. The pressure is on Thomas Frank to shore up his defense and restore faith at home. Fulham, eager to end their away-day misery, have the chance to exploit Spurs’ vulnerabilities—but history and current form suggest this will be an uphill battle. Both teams have something to prove: for Spurs, it’s about regaining momentum and confidence; for Fulham, it’s a test of resilience and ambition away from Craven Cottage.

Based on form, injuries, and recent head-to-head trends, Tottenham should have enough quality—especially at home—to edge past Fulham. Yet, their defensive fragility and Fulham’s recent improvement in this fixture mean the margin for error is razor-thin. This derby isn’t just about three points; it’s about which team can best rewrite their narrative in a season defined by unpredictability.

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