West Ham United host Fulham in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, a first meeting between the two London clubs since the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League last season.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side arrive full of confidence, having won four Championship matches in a row to sit top of the table, while Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham are winless in the Premier League and looking to build on a battling goalless draw at Liverpool.
Arbeloa spent part of his playing career at West Ham and admitted it will be quite a week for him facing another of his former clubs. The Spaniard was quick to dismiss any suggestion his side hold an inherent edge, insisting the Hammers “have a Premier League level squad” despite their lower-division status. Tuesday’s tie is only the second meeting between the clubs in the competition’s history, with Fulham having won the only previous one, 2-1 at Craven Cottage in October 1974.
West Ham United vs Fulham – Match preview and team news
- Date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
- Kick-off: 19:45 BST
- Venue: London Stadium
- Referee: Gavin Ward
- Last meeting: Fulham 0-1 West Ham United (Premier League, March 2026)
Team news
West Ham United
West Ham will be without right-back Joel Veltman (muscle) and midfielder Tomas Soucek, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Kyle Walker-Peters is set to start alongside Airidas Golambeckis and Max Kilman in defence, with Lewis Orford and Mohamadou Kante again expected in central midfield.
Fulham
Fulham will be without captain Tom Cairney, who is not due back until next month after knee surgery, while Ryan Sessegnon is also ruled out with a groin problem. Arbeloa is expected to field a changed side, with Shea Charles and Harrison Reed in a double pivot behind Emile Smith Rowe, and Rodrigo Muniz leading the line.
Form
West Ham United
West Ham’s form has transformed since a stuttering start to life in the Championship, with four straight league wins including a 6-0 demolition of Wrexham on Friday. The Hammers have scored 16 goals across their last four outings in all competitions and have been beaten just once all season, a run that has them believing an immediate return to the top flight remains firmly on track.
Fulham
Fulham remain without a Premier League win this season, though Saturday’s goalless draw at Liverpool, secured despite a goal-line clearance denying them victory, offered genuine encouragement. Arbeloa’s only win since taking charge came in the previous cup round against AFC Wimbledon, and his side have yet to find the net away from home in the league this term.
Predicted lineups
West Ham United predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Herrick; Walker-Peters, Golambeckis, Kilman, Mayers; Bowen, Orford, Kante, Ajala; Mukasa; Piroe
Fulham predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lecomte; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson; Charles, Reed; Bobb, Smith Rowe, Kevin; Muniz
How to watch West Ham United vs Fulham?
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports+.
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