West Ham host QPR this afternoon while they aim to put their Premier League struggles aside and avoid a third consecutive third-round exit in the FA Cup.
Nuno Espírito Santo remains under intense pressure after a 10-game winless sequence that has left the club embroiled in a relegation battle. Despite reports of deteriorating morale, the Hammers have invested heavily in the winter window to bolster their attacking options. A strong cup performance at the London Stadium is viewed as essential to restore faith among the supporters before a daunting return to league action.
West Ham Team News
Nuno Espírito Santo is managing a squad thinned by international commitments and injury. Lukasz Fabianski remains unavailable due to a back issue, while El Hadji Malick Diouf is currently with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has returned to London following DR Congo’s exit from the tournament, though he is unlikely to be thrust straight into the starting XI.
Notably, the manager is expected to hand full debuts to new arrivals Taty Castellanos and Pablo. Castellanos, a £50 million signing from Lazio, is poised to lead the line after appearing off the bench in midweek. Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá are also expected to start, as Nuno looks for his first-team stars to navigate a tricky encounter against a QPR side that has frequently been a “bogey team” for the Hammers in this competition.
West Ham Predicted Lineup
West Ham United predicted XI: Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Julio, Scarles; Fernandes, Potts; Bowen, Paquetá, Summerville; Castellanos
When will the match kick off?
The FA Cup third-round fixture takes place at the London Stadium on Sunday, 11 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:30 GMT.
How to watch West Ham vs Queens Park Rangers?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 5 and discovery+. Coverage begins at 14:00 GMT.
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