Arbeloa under pressure as bottom Fulham face Hull
Fulham are bottom with two points and no league win, and according to the Evening Standard Álvaro Arbeloa has been given the games against Hull and Coventry to save his job. Promoted Hull are eighth on nine points after a 2-2 draw with Everton. Kick-off is at 16:00, with Chris Kavanagh the referee. Fulham and Hull City meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday, 17 October 2026, in round seven of the Premier League.
“I would not say that we are favourites but that we can play 50-50 games, why not?” – Hull manager Sergej Jakirović
Predicted lineups: Fulham vs Hull City
Fulham are monitoring Antonee Robinson, who has an ankle problem, so Ryan Sessegnon could stay at left-back, and Tom Cairney is also a doubt. Hull’s injury list keeps growing. Nobel Mendy is out for around two weeks with a groin problem, so 19-year-old Lucas Herrington is expected to come into the back three. Mohamed-Ali Cho, Gourna-Douath and Targett are also out, along with long-term absentees Matazo and Hughes.
Fulham Team News & Preview
Fulham’s only win this season came in the Carabao Cup at West Ham. In the league they have drawn with Manchester United and at Liverpool, and lost the other four. Last weekend at Ipswich they went ahead late through Sessegnon, then conceded twice in the closing minutes to lose 2-1. Arbeloa was also fined around £25,000 this week over his comments after the Manchester United game.
Home form has not helped. Fulham have not won at Craven Cottage in the league and have conceded seven goals in three home games. They have, however, won their last four meetings with Hull in all competitions.
What works for or against Fulham
- No league win in six games.
- Conceded late in four of six league games.
- Won the last four meetings with Hull.
- Arbeloa's job is reportedly on the line.
Hull City Team News & Preview
Hull are four league games without a win, but they have been competitive. They drew 2-2 at Chelsea, lost 2-1 at Newcastle and drew 2-2 with Everton on Sunday, when Gelhardt scored and substitute Belloumi equalised late. Both teams have scored in all three of those games.
Jakirović said he would not call his side favourites, but believes they can make this a 50-50 game. The injuries at the back are the concern. Losing Mendy means a teenage centre-back is likely to start, against a Fulham side that has to attack.
What works for or against Hull
- Belloumi has three goals and two assists.
- Scored in each of their last three league games.
- Mendy is out, so a 19-year-old is likely to start at centre-back.
- Four league games without a win.
Fulham vs Hull City Odds
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Fulham vs. Hull Stats Comparison
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Fulham vs. Hull Form Guide
Fulham Form, Stats & Data
Fulham score one goal per game and concede 1.67. The problem is the closing stages: they have conceded in the final 15 minutes in four of their six league games and have dropped points from winning positions repeatedly.
Hull Form, Stats & Data
Hull have kept three clean sheets, but their recent games have been more open. Belloumi has been involved in five of their eight goals, with three goals and two assists, and Hull play more long balls than any other side in the league.
Fulham vs Hull City: Prediction & Betting Tip
I do not want to back a Fulham side without a league win at 1.65, but I do expect goals at both ends. Fulham have to attack with their manager under pressure, and Hull’s back line is missing Mendy. Fulham, meanwhile, have not kept a clean sheet at home and keep conceding late. Hull have scored in each of their last three league games, so I like both teams to score.
The best argument the other way is Hull’s ability to shut games down. They have kept three clean sheets this season, and Jakirović may set up to frustrate a nervous home side. Fulham have also scored only six goals in six games. But with both defences missing players or confidence, I think goals at both ends are more likely than a shut-out.
The bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 1.72 with Winz. Score prediction: 1-1.