By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to make wholesale changes for tonight’s Carabao Cup tie against Southampton following Saturday’s dreadful 2-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic.
According to ExWHUEmployee, Nuno is preparing to rotate heavily as he attempts to manage a demanding schedule which will see the Hammers playing twice a week over the next three weeks.
Divin Mukasa is expected to start in central attacking midfield after his exciting cameo against Charlton, where the Manchester City loanee brought some much-needed purpose and directness to West Ham’s play.
As I wrote in my Southampton v West Ham preview, Mukasa deserves his opportunity tonight.
Mukasa is expected to start against Southampton
West Ham youngsters set for their chance
There could also be significant changes in defence, with Airidas Golambeckis and Ezra Mayers potentially drafted in after West Ham’s defensive problems were exposed again against Charlton.
With Axel Disasi not returning to the London Stadium and Nuno’s senior defenders struggling during the opening Championship fixtures, tonight represents a real opportunity for the youngsters to make their case.
Soungoutou Magassa, however, is not expected to feature, with the game believed to have come slightly too soon as he continues to recover from a minor knock.
In this video, I discuss the expected changes and why tonight represents a huge opportunity for West Ham’s youngsters.