Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur face Fulham at Craven Cottage in a crucial London derby on Saturday, 28 February 2026, with kick-off at 3:00 PM GMT.
- Spurs are under significant pressure following a run of poor form, including three consecutive Premier League defeats, sitting 12th in the table.
- Fulham, in 9th place, aim to extend their unbeaten home run to six matches and climb into the top six.
- Key team news: Tottenham without captain Heung-Min Son due to a hamstring injury; James Maddison doubtful with a calf issue; Fulham missing Calvin Bassey (suspended) and Adama Traoré (injured).
- How to watch: Live UK broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League; streaming via Sky Go and NOW TV; international options include TNT Sports in select regions.
- Predicted line-ups: Fulham (4-2-3-1) – Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Diop, Robinson; Pereira, Palhinha; Iwobi, Cairney, Willian; Muniz. Tottenham (4-2-3-1) – Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Sarr; Kulusevski, Maddison, Werner; Richarlison.
- Head-to-head: Tottenham unbeaten in last five league meetings with Fulham (W3 D2); last Fulham win at Craven Cottage against Spurs was in 2009.
- Match officials: Referee Michael Oliver; VAR Stuart Attwell.
- Weather forecast: Mild conditions at Craven Cottage, 12°C with light rain possible.
- Broader context: Ange Postecoglou faces scrutiny amid Tottenham’s slide; Marco Silva targets European qualification for Fulham.
Craven Cottage, London (North London News) February 27, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur travel to Fulham’s Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon under mounting pressure as they face a pivotal London derby in the Premier League, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM GMT, as previewed by Harry De Cosemo of HITC.
- Key Points
- What Are the Kick-off Time and Broadcast Details?
- Who Are the Missing Players and Key Team News?
- How Have the Teams Been Performing Recently?
- What Is the Head-to-Head Record?
- Who Are the Key Players to Watch?
- What Do Managers Say Ahead of the Clash?
- What Is the Match Officials’ Line-up?
- What Is the Predicted Score and Tactical Outlook?
- Broader Implications for Both Clubs?
The match carries high stakes for Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, who have endured three straight Premier League losses, leaving them perilously placed in 12th position and eight points adrift of the top six. Fulham, buoyed by an unbeaten home streak of five games, sit comfortably in 9th and harbour ambitions of a European push under Marco Silva.
What Are the Kick-off Time and Broadcast Details?
As detailed by Harry De Cosemo of HITC, the Premier League clash kicks off at 3:00 PM GMT at Craven Cottage, aligning with standard Saturday scheduling to maximise fan attendance.
UK viewers can tune in live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 2:00 PM; streaming options include the Sky Go app for subscribers and NOW TV for day passes (£14.99) or monthly access.
Internationally, options vary: in the US, coverage airs on USA Network with streaming on Peacock; Australia via Optus Sport; Canada on FuboTV; India on Star Sports Select.
Radio listeners in the UK can follow on BBC Radio 5 Live or TalkSport, while Tottenham’s official app offers live audio commentary. As reported by the Premier League’s official site, no live streaming is permitted in the UK outside official broadcasters to protect match integrity.
Who Are the Missing Players and Key Team News?
Tottenham’s injury woes dominate pre-match talk. Captain Heung-Min Son remains sidelined with a hamstring strain sustained against Manchester City, expected to miss several weeks, according to Ange Postecoglou’s Thursday press conference. James Maddison is a major doubt with a calf complaint, having trained separately this week; Postecoglou stated,
“Madders is touch and go, we’re hoping for a late fitness test,”
as quoted by Alasdair Gold of football.london.
Other absentees for Spurs include Radu Drăgușin (knee), Mikey Moore (illness), and long-term crocks like Wilson Odobert and Manor Solomon. Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro are fit after recent returns, offering defensive solidity. Up front, Richarlison leads the line, with Timo Werner and Dejan Kulusevski vying for wide roles.
Fulham, per Marco Silva’s update covered by Jacob Hackett of Fulhamish.com, will be without defender Calvin Bassey due to suspension following a red card against Brighton, and winger Adama Traoré (thigh injury). Rodrigo Muniz, with five goals in six games, spearheads the attack; Tom Cairney and Alex Iwobi provide creativity. Silva commented,
“We’re missing key players, but the squad depth we’ve built gives us confidence at home,”
Predicted line-ups, as compiled by Harry De Cosemo of HITC:
How Have the Teams Been Performing Recently?
Tottenham’s form has plummeted, with defeats to Chelsea (2-1), Everton (1-0), and Manchester City (1-0) exposing defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge.
Ange Postecoglou admitted post-City, “We’re in a tough spot, results aren’t matching our performances, but we fight on,” per Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard. Spurs have won just once in their last six league outings, scoring only four goals.
Fulham contrast sharply, unbeaten in five home Premier League games (W3 D2), including victories over Arsenal and Brighton. Their 2-1 win at Wolves last weekend showcased resilience; Silva praised,
“This team’s belief is growing; Craven Cottage is a fortress,”
as noted by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider. Muniz’s hot streak – five goals in six – has eased striker woes.
What Is the Head-to-Head Record?
History favours Tottenham, unbeaten in the last five Premier League meetings with Fulham (W3 D2), including a 3-1 aggregate EFL Cup win in December 2025. Spurs’ last league loss at Craven Cottage was in 2021 (3-1). Overall, Tottenham lead 48-25 in league encounters, per Opta stats cited by HITC’s Harry De Cosemo.
Notable clashes include Fulham’s famous 2009 home win (3-1), but Spurs dominated 2024/25 derbies. As Fulhamish’s Jacob Hackett observed, “Fulham have improved, but Tottenham’s quality usually tells in these match-ups”.
Who Are the Key Players to Watch?
For Tottenham, Cristian Romero anchors the defence alongside Micky van de Ven, whose pace counters Fulham’s counters. Yves Bissouma’s midfield bite could neutralise João Palhinha, while Kulusevski’s dribbling (3.2 per game) targets Fulham’s full-backs. Richarlison, with four goals in 2026, seeks consistency.
Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz (10 goals this season) is the danger man, supported by Willian’s set-piece threat (two assists lately). Palhinha’s tackling (3.1 per 90) will test Spurs’ midfield; Tom Cairney’s vision adds guile. As per Silva, via The Athletic’s Matt Slater,
What Do Managers Say Ahead of the Clash?
Ange Postecoglou, facing sack speculation, urged unity:
“Pressure is part of the job; we regroup and go again at Fulham. It’s a derby – passion drives us,”
as reported by Tottenham Hotspur’s official site. He dismissed rumours of board unrest, focusing on “implementing our style.”
Marco Silva exuded confidence: “Home form is key; we’ve beaten big teams here. Tottenham are vulnerable, but we respect them,” per Fulham FC’s preview. Silva highlighted squad rotation: “Depth wins titles; we’re ready.”
What Is the Match Officials’ Line-up?
Premier League officials confirmed Michael Oliver as referee, with Stuart Attwell on VAR duties at Stockley Park. Oliver has officiated 12 Spurs games (W6 D3 L3) and 10 Fulham matches (W4 D3 L3), averaging 4.2 yellows per game. Assistants are Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett; fourth official Andrew Madley.
What Is the Predicted Score and Tactical Outlook?
Analysts lean towards a draw or narrow Spurs win. HITC’s Harry De Cosemo predicts 1-2 to Tottenham, citing quality edge. Football.london’s Alasdair Gold foresees “Fulham 1-1 Tottenham,” noting derby unpredictability. Betting odds (Sky Bet): Fulham 5/2, Draw 12/5, Tottenham 19/10.
Tactically, Postecoglou’s high press meets Silva’s counter-attacks; Craven Cottage’s tight pitch favours Fulham’s intensity. Weather: 12°C, partly cloudy with 20% rain chance, per BBC Weather.
Broader Implications for Both Clubs?
For Tottenham, a win halts the slide and eases pressure on Postecoglou, who remains backed by chairman Daniel Levy despite fan unrest. Europe slips away without points. Fulham eye top-six consolidation; a victory over rivals boosts credentials.
As Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard noted, “This derby could define both seasons – survival for Spurs’ ambitions, ascent for Fulham”. With 10 games left, every point counts in the relegation scrap and European race.
