Fulham travel to the London Stadium on Tuesday for a Carabao Cup third-round tie against West Ham United, a reunion of sorts for head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who spent part of his playing career at the club he now faces.
Arbeloa has already made clear he does not regard the Hammers as a soft touch despite their relegation from the Premier League last season. Fulham arrive off the back of a spirited goalless draw at Liverpool and will see progress to the fourth round as a chance to build much-needed momentum after a difficult start to the Premier League campaign.
Fulham team news
Fulham will again be without Ryan Sessegnon, who is nursing a groin problem that also puts his involvement in Sunday’s game against Manchester United in doubt. Arbeloa said the club were not taking “any risk” with the left-back after scans on the issue. Captain Tom Cairney remains a longer-term absentee, with the midfielder not due back until next month following knee surgery.
With Cairney and Sessegnon both missing, Arbeloa is expected to make several changes from the side that held Liverpool, handing recalls to the likes of Shea Charles and Harrison Reed in a double pivot behind Emile Smith Rowe. Backup goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte, who started the previous round against AFC Wimbledon, could retain his place, protected by centre-backs Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca, while Rodrigo Muniz is in line to lead the line supported by Kevin and Oscar Bobb.
Fulham predicted lineup
Fulham possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lecomte; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Charles, Reed; Bobb, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Muniz
When will the match kick off?
The Carabao Cup third-round match kicks off at 19:45 BST on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
How to watch West Ham United vs Fulham?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ in the UK.
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