Tottenham Hotspur vs Fulham Match Preview: Premier League 2025/26 – Matchday 13
Match Details
Competition: Premier League 2025/26 – Matchday 13
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Kick-Off: 14:00 GMT (16:00 Local Time)
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
Referee: TBA
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League (UK), USA Network (US)
Current Standings and Context
This London derby brings together two clubs experiencing contrasting fortunes in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. Tottenham Hotspur currently occupy sixth position with 19 points from 12 matches, seeking to maintain their European qualification ambitions. Meanwhile, Fulham sit ninth with 18 points, demonstrating impressive consistency under Marco Silva’s guidance and remaining firmly in continental contention.
The proximity in the table makes this a genuine six-pointer for European aspirations. Just one point separates the teams, creating a fascinating dynamic where victory could propel either side significantly up the standings while defeat could damage confidence and qualification prospects.
Both teams arrive nursing recent disappointments. Tottenham succumbed to a devastating 4-1 defeat in the North London Derby at Arsenal, their heaviest loss in the fixture for years. Fulham fell 4-1 at home to Wolves in a shocking result that ended their impressive unbeaten run. These setbacks add extra significance to this encounter as both managers seek immediate redemption.
Team Form Analysis
Tottenham Hotspur – Derby Disappointment, European Progress
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham find themselves in a peculiar position. On one hand, they’ve shown moments of exceptional quality this season, including memorable victories over Manchester City (4-0) and progression in the Europa League. On the other, defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistency have undermined their Premier League ambitions.
The North London Derby humiliation at Arsenal represented Tottenham’s nadir. Eberechi Eze’s first-ever Premier League hat-trick inspired the Gunners to a comprehensive victory that exposed Spurs’ defensive frailties. The manner of the defeat – conceding four goals and appearing defensively disorganized throughout – raised serious questions about Postecoglou’s tactical approach.
However, context matters. Tottenham bounced back with a 3-1 Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar, securing their place in the quarter-finals. The performance demonstrated their quality when focused, though playing midweek adds physical demands to an already injury-depleted squad.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
W-L-D-W-D
Home Record – Mixed Results at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
Tottenham’s home form has been inconsistent. They have won four, drawn one and lost one of their six home league matches this season. Most concerningly, they’ve failed to win their last two home fixtures, drawing 2-2 with Roma in the Europa League before the Arsenal catastrophe.
Against Fulham specifically, Tottenham’s home record provides encouragement. They have lost just one of their last 14 Premier League home matches against the Cottagers, though that sole defeat came in March 2013, a distant memory given squad transformations since then.
Fulham – Home Collapse, Away Resilience
Marco Silva’s Fulham have established themselves as one of the Premier League’s most improved and entertaining teams. Before their shocking home defeat to Wolves, the Cottagers had been in excellent form, particularly away from Craven Cottage where they won several impressive fixtures.
The 4-1 capitulation against Wolves represented Fulham’s worst performance of the season. After taking an early lead through Alex Iwobi, they collapsed dramatically, conceding four unanswered goals to relegation-threatened opposition. The defeat exposed defensive vulnerabilities and raised questions about concentration levels.
Despite this setback, Fulham’s overall campaign deserves enormous credit. They’ve scored in 13 consecutive matches across all competitions, demonstrating consistent attacking quality. Their pressing intensity and wing play make them dangerous opponents for any team, particularly those with defensive concerns like Tottenham.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
L-W-W-D-W
Away Record:
Fulham’s away form has been surprisingly strong. They’ve won two, drawn two and lost two of their six away league matches, collecting valuable points at difficult venues. Their ability to compete away from home suggests they won’t be overawed by the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium atmosphere.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical record heavily favors Tottenham. Spurs have won ten, drawn three and lost just three of their last 16 Premier League meetings with Fulham. This dominance extends to recent encounters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Fulham have struggled to secure positive results.
Recent Encounters:
The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 1-1, with Tom Cairney scoring Fulham’s equalizer before receiving a late red card. That result represented a positive outcome for the Cottagers, demonstrating their capability of competing with Spurs when performing to their potential.
Most memorably, Fulham stunned Tottenham 3-0 at Craven Cottage in March 2024, with Rodrigo Muniz scoring twice in a comprehensive victory. That remains Tottenham’s most recent defeat in this fixture and their last loss immediately before an international break – a concerning pattern for Spurs supporters.
Statistical Context:
Premier League matches involving Tottenham have produced the most goals this season, averaging 3.4 strikes per game. This suggests an entertaining encounter awaits, with both teams’ attacking quality likely to produce scoring opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
Tactical Analysis
Tottenham’s Approach
Ange Postecoglou faces critical decisions following the Arsenal humiliation. The Australian manager remains committed to his attacking philosophy despite defensive vulnerabilities, though modifications may be necessary given the injury crisis affecting his squad.
Postecoglou will likely deploy his characteristic 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing high pressing, possession dominance, and quick transitions into attack. However, personnel limitations force significant compromises. With Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur all unavailable, Tottenham’s spine lacks the quality and experience needed at this level.
Key Tactical Elements:
- High defensive line despite personnel concerns
- Aggressive pressing to disrupt Fulham’s build-up
- Exploiting wide areas through Son and Johnson
- Creative freedom for Maddison in central areas
- Set-piece threat from corners and free-kicks
The absence of multiple first-choice defenders creates vulnerability that Fulham will eagerly exploit. Fraser Forster deputizes in goal, while Radu Dragusin partners Ben Davies in central defense – a makeshift pairing lacking the understanding and quality of the regular partnership.
Fulham’s Game Plan
Marco Silva must organize Fulham to exploit Tottenham’s defensive frailties while managing their own recent defensive collapse against Wolves. The Portuguese manager will likely maintain his attacking 4-2-3-1 formation that has brought consistent success throughout the campaign.
Fulham’s pressing intensity and wing play represent their primary weapons. They rank highly in expected points calculations, demonstrating their performances deserve greater recognition. Against Tottenham’s high defensive line and makeshift backline, the Cottagers’ pace and directness could prove devastating.
Key Tactical Elements:
- High pressing to force defensive errors
- Exploiting wings through Iwobi and Smith Rowe
- Quick vertical transitions to bypass midfield
- Utilizing Jiménez’s physical presence
- Set-piece opportunities as scoring chances
The return of Sander Berge provides midfield stability, though Joachim Andersen’s absence weakens defensive organization. Silva must ensure his team learns from the Wolves collapse and maintains concentration throughout the 90 minutes.
Team News and Injuries
Tottenham Hotspur – Severe Injury Crisis
Tottenham face one of their most severe injury crises in recent memory. Manager Ange Postecoglou must cope without multiple first-choice players across all positions, significantly weakening his tactical options.
Confirmed Absences:
- Guglielmo Vicario (broken ankle – several weeks)
- Cristian Romero (injury)
- Micky van de Ven (injury)
- Rodrigo Bentancur (seven-match domestic ban – second game)
- Richarlison (injury)
- Wilson Odobert (injury)
- Mikey Moore (injury)
- Dejan Kulusevski (injury – should return after international break)
- Radu Dragusin (injury – doubtful)
- Kevin Danso (injury – should return after international break)
Available Players:
- Fraser Forster (goalkeeper – deputizing for Vicario)
- Destiny Udogie (expected to return to starting XI)
- Brennan Johnson (available after Europa League rest)
- Mathys Tel (available for selection)
The injury list reads like a first-choice XI. Postecoglou may make personnel changes following the Europa League fixture, with Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel potentially replacing Pedro Porro, Wilson Odobert and Son Heung-Min.
Fulham – Minimal Concerns
Fulham approach this fixture in relatively good health compared to their opponents. Manager Marco Silva has extensive tactical options, providing significant advantage over Tottenham’s depleted squad.
Confirmed Absences:
- Kenny Tete (knee injury)
- Harry Wilson (foot injury)
- Reiss Nelson (hamstring injury)
- Sasa Lukic (suspension – completed)
Positive News:
- Adama Traoré (recovered from ankle injury – available)
- Sander Berge (passed fit after previous concerns)
- Joachim Andersen (fitness doubt but may feature)
- Ryan Sessegnon (doubt to face former club)
The return of Adama Traoré provides pace and directness from the bench, while Sander Berge’s availability strengthens midfield options. Joachim Andersen’s potential absence represents the only significant concern, though Fulham possess adequate defensive replacements.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster
Defense: Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Pedro Porro
Midfield: Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison
Attack: Son Heung-Min (c), Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson
Substitutes: Brandon Austin, Sergio Reguilón, Archie Gray, Giovani Lo Celso, Lucas Bergvall, Mathys Tel, Timo Werner, Dane Scarlett
Fulham (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
Defense: Antonee Robinson, Calvin Bassey, Issa Diop, Timothy Castagne
Midfield: Sander Berge, Andreas Pereira
Attacking Midfield: Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, Adama Traoré
Striker: Raúl Jiménez
Substitutes: Steven Benda, Jorge Cuenca, Harrison Reed, Tom Cairney, Rodrigo Muniz, Carlos Vinicius, Willian
Key Players to Watch
Tottenham Hotspur
Son Heung-Min: The South Korean captain carries enormous responsibility given the injury crisis. Son must provide leadership, creativity and goal threat while inspiring teammates to overcome personnel limitations. His ability to score from long range could prove decisive.
James Maddison: The English playmaker represents Tottenham’s primary creative force. Maddison’s vision, passing range and set-piece delivery make him crucial to Spurs’ attacking approach. He must demonstrate the quality that justified his significant transfer fee.
Dominic Solanke: The striker leads Tottenham’s attacking line with intelligent movement and clinical finishing. Solanke’s hold-up play and positioning will be tested against Fulham’s defense, and he needs support from teammates to maximize his effectiveness.
Fraser Forster: The veteran goalkeeper faces enormous pressure deputizing for the injured Vicario. Forster’s experience and shot-stopping ability will be tested throughout the match against Fulham’s attacking quality.
Fulham
Alex Iwobi: The Nigerian midfielder has been exceptional this season, contributing goals and creativity consistently. His movement between the lines and technical quality make him Fulham’s most dangerous attacking player. Iwobi’s ability to exploit space behind Tottenham’s high defensive line could prove decisive.
Emile Smith Rowe: The former Arsenal midfielder faces his North London rivals with a point to prove. Smith Rowe’s creativity, movement and goal threat from attacking midfield positions make him crucial to Fulham’s approach.
Raúl Jiménez: The Mexican striker provides physical presence, intelligent movement and clinical finishing. Jiménez’s experience and positioning will test Tottenham’s makeshift defense throughout the 90 minutes.
Antonee Robinson: The American left-back combines defensive solidity with attacking threat down the flanks. His pace and crossing quality could exploit space behind Tottenham’s right-sided defenders.
Statistical Insights
Tottenham Hotspur Statistics
- 19 points from 12 Premier League matches (6W, 1D, 5L)
- Currently 6th in Premier League table
- Matches average 3.4 goals per game (highest in league)
- Lost 4-1 to Arsenal in North London Derby
- Beat AZ Alkmaar 3-1 in Europa League
- Lost just 1 of last 14 home Premier League matches vs Fulham
- Failed to win last two home fixtures (D1 L1)
- Lost last five Premier League matches immediately before international breaks
Fulham Statistics
- 18 points from 12 Premier League matches (5W, 3D, 4L)
- Currently 9th in Premier League table
- Scored in 13 consecutive matches across all competitions
- Lost 4-1 at home to Wolves most recently
- Won 3-0 at Tottenham in March 2024
- Won two, drawn two, lost two away from home
- Before yesterday’s games were 2nd in expected points table
- Press hard and dangerous down wings
Historical Context
- Tottenham won 10 of last 16 Premier League meetings
- Fulham drew 1-1 in reverse fixture this season
- Rodrigo Muniz scored twice in Fulham’s last Tottenham Hotspur Stadium visit
- Matches typically produce multiple goals
Match Predictions and Betting Insights
Expert Analysis
The contrasting circumstances create fascinating dynamics. Tottenham’s severe injury crisis weakens them significantly, but home advantage and historical dominance provide psychological edges. Fulham’s quality and form suggest they can exploit Spurs’ vulnerabilities, particularly in defense.
Bookmakers slightly favor Tottenham at 52% probability, reflecting home advantage despite personnel concerns. However, the tight odds suggest genuine uncertainty, with Fulham’s 27% chance of victory representing potential value given Tottenham’s weakened state.
Key Factors
- Injury Crisis: Tottenham’s multiple absences create vulnerability
- Home Advantage: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium provides psychological edge
- Defensive Concerns: Both teams showed defensive frailties recently
- Attacking Quality: Both teams possess goal threats
- Tactical Battle: Postecoglou’s philosophy vs Silva’s pragmatic approach
Goals and Scoring Patterns
Expect an entertaining encounter with multiple goals. Tottenham’s matches average 3.4 goals per game this season, while Fulham have scored in 13 consecutive fixtures. Both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities suggest an open, attacking encounter.
Over 2.5 goals appears likely with 49% probability according to algorithms, though bookmakers surprisingly favor Under 2.5 goals at 51%. Both teams to score has 51% chance, reflecting attacking quality and defensive concerns on both sides.
The draw probability sits at 21%, suggesting bookmakers expect a decisive result despite both teams’ recent struggles.
Score Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Fulham
This has all the ingredients of a thrilling London derby that ends honors even. Tottenham’s home advantage and attacking quality will create scoring opportunities, but their defensive vulnerabilities will be ruthlessly exploited by Fulham’s pacey forwards.
Son Heung-Min should find the net with a trademark long-range effort, while Dominic Solanke’s movement could deliver another goal. For Fulham, Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe possess the creativity to unlock Tottenham’s makeshift defense, with Raúl Jiménez providing clinical finishing.
Both teams desperately need victory to bounce back from recent disappointments, but neither possesses the defensive organization to keep clean sheets. The result maintains both teams’ European qualification ambitions while highlighting the work required to achieve consistency.
Final Verdict
Result: Draw (2-2)
This Sunday afternoon London derby represents contrasting narratives of redemption. Tottenham seek to restore pride following the Arsenal humiliation, utilizing home advantage and passionate support to inspire a performance worthy of their ambitions. Fulham aim to prove the Wolves collapse was an aberration, demonstrating the quality that has characterized their impressive campaign.
Ange Postecoglou faces his most challenging team selection. The injury crisis forces him to field a significantly weakened lineup, particularly in defense where the makeshift pairing lacks Premier League experience together. However, the Australian manager remains committed to his attacking philosophy, refusing to compromise his principles despite personnel limitations.
For Marco Silva, this represents an excellent opportunity to secure a statement result. Fulham’s quality and form suggest they should compete effectively, particularly against Tottenham’s vulnerable defense. The Portuguese manager must ensure his team learns from the Wolves disaster and maintains concentration throughout the 90 minutes.
The tactical battle will be fascinating. Postecoglou’s insistence on a high defensive line despite personnel concerns creates opportunities for Fulham’s pacey attackers to exploit. Silva must organize his team to press aggressively while remaining alert to counter-attacks through Son and Johnson’s quality.
Key individual battles will prove decisive. Son Heung-Min versus Antonee Robinson represents a fascinating duel between two of the league’s best in their positions, while James Maddison’s creativity will be contested by Sander Berge’s defensive work rate. In attack, Dominic Solanke faces physical battles against Fulham’s central defenders, while Alex Iwobi’s movement tests Tottenham’s makeshift backline.
Final Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Fulham
An entertaining draw that showcases both teams’ attacking quality while exposing defensive vulnerabilities. Tottenham will take the lead through Son’s brilliance before Fulham respond with goals exploiting defensive errors. The match swings back and forth with both teams creating chances, ultimately ending in a fair result that maintains European qualification ambitions while highlighting inconsistency concerns.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium atmosphere will be electric despite recent disappointments, with supporters desperate to celebrate a morale-boosting victory. However, Fulham’s quality and tactical organization should prevent a home triumph, earning a valuable away point that demonstrates their credentials as genuine European contenders. This result maintains the competitiveness of the race for continental qualification while providing entertainment that justifies the Premier League’s reputation as the world’s most exciting domestic competition.
