Is it too much to expect West Ham’s revival to start right now?

Avram Grant may be excused for having a face like the Grinch over his turkey this Christmas Day. He will be fully aware that only one side has avoided the drop having being bottom on Christmas Day, and whilst his side are not the no hopers of Premier League turkeys from seasons past, there are some major issues to be resolved heading into 2011.

The Hammers do have some cash to spend in January, and from that point of view they have been linked with some big Premier League names. This fixture, however, may be key in establishing how many of West Ham’s transfer targets take the plunge and make the move to Upton Park.

In comparison, the pressure on Fulham boss Mark Hughes has been minimal thus far. Whilst his side are only a handful of points better off than Grant’s men, there is an air of goodwill around Craven Cottage, and the former Manchester City manager will be given time to rebuild after last season’s exploits.

Both teams need the points, but with Fulham being the league’s stalemate specialists, I expect both sides to draw a blank in this Boxing Day game of charades.

Prediction: 0-0

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You can get odds of 7/1 on a 0-0 draw