⚒️ Burton Albion v West Ham – FA Cup Fourth Round Preview
The fixture list has been kind for once, with the Emirates FA Cup fourth round handing West Ham United away tie against League One strugglers Burton Albion.
On paper, this is exactly the sort of draw you want, lower-league opposition, and a real chance to build momentum. Burton arrive sitting in the bottom three of League One, but don’t be fooled: they’re this season’s top FA Cup scorers with 14 goals and won’t come quietly.
Boss Nuno Espírito Santo has already confirmed Alphonse Areola will start, and rotation is expected. That said, with our attacking depth being what it is, Nuno can only shuffle the pack so much. I wouldn’t be shocked if either Bowen or Summerville still makes the XI.
Match Details
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Competition: Emirates FA Cup – Fourth Round
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Date: Saturday 14 February 2026
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Kick-off: 12:15pm GMT
West Ham come into this one in decent nick – four wins from our last six in all competitions – and fresh from a hard-earned Premier League point against Manchester United. Progressing here would take us into the fifth round for the first time since 2022/23.
Burton, meanwhile, have won just once in nine league games and are one point from safety. However, Gary Bowyer’s side have made a habit of cutting loose in this competition, recording big wins over St Albans City, Brackley Town and Boreham Wood to get here.
Team News
West Ham
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Alphonse Areola will start in goal
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Jean-Clair Todibo serves the final game of his suspension
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Pablo Felipe is injured and unavailable
- Adama Traore played for Fulham against Boro in the 3rd round but is not cup tied
Rotation is expected, but Nuno won’t get silly with it.
Burton Albion
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Dylan Williams – doubt
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Finn Delap – doubt
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Charlie Webster – doubt
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Julian Larsson – doubt
Predicted West Ham XI (fan guess – not insider info!)
I think Nuno rotates without weakening us too much:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Areola |
| RB | Walker-Peters |
| CB | Kilman |
| CB | Mavropanos |
| LB | Scarles |
| CM | Potts |
| CM | Magassa |
| RM | Traore |
| LM | Summerville |
| CAM | Fernandes |
| CF | Wilson |
Gonzo’s Verdict
Cup games like this are always awkward, especially against a side fighting for their lives and enjoying a proper FA Cup run.
Still, quality should tell.
If we approach it professionally – no messing about, early goal, keep things tidy – this should be comfortable enough.
Prediction: Burton Albion 0-3 West Ham
Job done. On to the fifth round. COYI.
Hi gonzo I have submitted non offensive comments on 3 of your previous articles including this one and you have ignored all 3 just wondering is there a reason for this .
Burton are poor in league one, two wins and two draws in their last ten, three defeats and two draws in their last five so declined form too.
It will be all about how they raise their spirit on the day and not a lot more.
I can’t honestly see us slipping up, a win in 90 minutes.
Traore is cup tied aint he, played and started for Fulham in their 3rd round tie v Middlesbrough
I’ll be going to Burton
Have I missed something? Aren’t we playing away from home??
It’s an away game mate
I’d like to see Kante start and the likes of Landers and Fearon on the bench.
if you are predicting a clean sheet with both Areola and Kilman in the team…..surely you are ‘aving a larrrfff!!!