By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham United v Fulham
Carabao Cup third round
London Stadium
Tuesday 15 September 2026, 7.45pm BST
A genuine free hit for West Ham
Nuno Espírito Santo can afford to take this Carabao Cup fixture as seriously as he likes.
Earlier in the season, particularly when West Ham travelled to Southampton while struggling in the Championship, I viewed this competition as something of a distraction. Now the Hammers are top of the league following four consecutive victories and unbeaten in six across all competitions.
There is no pressure on West Ham and no pressure on Nuno. That makes this a genuine free hit against a Fulham side still searching for their first Premier League victory of the season.
The pressure is very much on the visitors.
Nuno can make his own choice
Nobody could complain if Nuno selected a strong team and attempted to continue West Ham’s winning run.
Equally, with Millwall awaiting at the weekend, supporters would understand if he rested several senior players.
That is the beauty of this particular tie. Nuno can pretty much do whatever he wants.
Beating Fulham would be excellent and extend the confidence surrounding the club. However, if West Ham fielded a second-string team and lost, I don’t believe it would damage the Championship campaign.
The 6-0 demolition of Wrexham was arguably West Ham’s most complete performance for years.
Nuno’s team played with real attacking freedom, established a lead and continued pushing for more goals. It was everything supporters had been demanding.
If the manager rotates heavily and changes formation against Fulham, we cannot necessarily expect the same patterns of play. However, every player involved should take confidence from West Ham’s recent form.
Jarrod Bowen is in tip top form for West Ham
Bowen will want to face Premier League opposition
Jarrod Bowen is the player everybody will worry about.
Supporters would completely understand if Nuno rested his captain, but I know this much: Bowen himself will not want a night off.
He is building some seriously impressive numbers for goals and assists and is currently in sensational form. He will want to continue that run.
Bowen may also feel he has something to prove to the outside world against Premier League opposition.
West Ham have a significantly better chance of beating Fulham with him in the team, but I suspect Nuno could leave him on the bench and attempt to win the tie with his substitutes.
It is also worth remembering the Hammers have a three-week break following the Millwall game. I’m sure the players will receive some time off then, which reduces the need to protect absolutely everyone now.
Veltman must be rested
Joël Veltman should be rested regardless of whether he passes his fitness test.
The defender was forced off after 29 minutes against Wrexham and, at 34, there is no point taking an unnecessary risk with him during a cup tie.
Kyle Walker-Peters has to play.
He was sensational after replacing Veltman on Friday and helped create two goals. His contribution demonstrated the strength Nuno now has available at right-back.
Personally, I would retain Divine Mukasa and Arne Engels in midfield. Their contrasting qualities have developed into a hugely encouraging partnership, as explored in our look at West Ham’s emerging “Mr Reliable and Hollywood” combination.
However, I don’t think Nuno will start Engels. I suspect Lewis Orford and Mohamadou Kanté will come into a midfield three alongside Mukasa.
Orford and Kante have impressed in midfield for West Ham
Fulham are dangerous but vulnerable
Fulham remain dangerous despite their poor start to the Premier League season.
They possess several extremely quick players and their goalless draw at Liverpool suggests improved results may not be far away.
Losing Marco Silva during the summer was a massive blow, and new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is already under pressure.
Fulham have every chance of being relegated if they do not get their house in order quickly. It also remains to be seen whether they regard this competition as an opportunity or a hindrance.
That is the key difference between the teams.
West Ham have nothing to lose. Fulham’s players and manager could find themselves under even greater scrutiny if they are eliminated by Championship opposition.
An emotional night for Ludo
The tribute to Luděk Mikloško should ensure there is a raucous atmosphere inside London Stadium.
The sad news of Ludo’s passing at only 64 has affected generations of West Ham supporters.
He was a legend, a gentleman and a Hammer forever.
I would not be surprised if the words “Oi, big boy, what’s your name?” ring out throughout the night as supporters celebrate the life of one of the club’s greatest goalkeepers.
That emotion could provide West Ham’s players with additional inspiration.
Gonzo’s predicted West Ham team
This is extremely difficult to predict. Really, I don’t have a scooby what NES will do but let’s have a crack anyway.
I expect Nuno to rotate considerably while retaining enough strength to keep West Ham in the tie. I believe he will switch to 4-3-3, rest Bowen and Engels, and give several fringe players an opportunity.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Mads Hermansen |
| RB | Kyle Walker-Peters |
| CB | Konstantinos Mavropanos |
| CB | Max Kilman |
| LB | Ollie Scarles |
| CM | Lewis Orford |
| CM | Mohamadou Kanté |
| CM | Divine Mukasa |
| RW | Keiber Lamadrid |
| CF | Pablo Felipe |
| LW | Edvin Austbø |
Gonzo’s prediction
I think Nuno will leave some of his biggest players on the bench, attempt to keep the game tight and then try to win it with his substitutes.
Fulham’s pace will cause problems, but West Ham’s confidence and squad depth give us every chance.
There is no extra time in the Carabao Cup third round, so if the scores are level after 90 minutes, the tie will go directly to penalties.
I think that is exactly what will happen—and West Ham could win the shootout.
Prediction: Draw after 90 minutes; West Ham to win on penalties
I seem to remember that Arbeloa fell out with Bilic and hardly played for us
Fulham have foolishly lost Harry Wilson. He was outstanding last season and single-handedly made the difference between relegation and safety for Fulham.
Undoubtedly they will provide opposition but we ought to be capable of winning this tie with our first eleven or second eleven. We have no need to blood inexperienced youngsters. We have first team squad members gagging to get games.
We’ve got this one.
COYI
Almost impossible to predict the team, or Fulhams team, so no chance of calling the score as more than complete guesswork.
I shall just enjoy the game and see what happens.