Queens Park Rangers Match Preview

West Ham United are finally able to put their Premier League struggles aside this afternoon, as attention turns to hopefully starting a run in the Emirates FA Cup. They begin their campaign with a home tie against Sky Bet Championship side Queens Park Rangers this afternoon.

Under the stewardship of David Moyes, the Hammers regularly progress to the fifth-round, but in what turned out to be his last season in permanent charge of the club, he suffered a shock third-round defeat to Bristol City in a replay at Ashton Gate, following a 1-1 draw. The home faithful will be hoping for a change in fortunes and that their losing streak can be halted for at least a week.

367 days ago, a chaotic build-up proceeded the all Premier League tie against Aston Villa at Villa Park. Graham Potter had just succeeded Julien Lopetegui as Head-Coach and although Lucas Paquetá gave his side an early advantage, their progress was cut short again, as the villains roared back to win 2-1.

Potter also saw his side get dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the first attempt by fellow top-flight club Wolverhampton Wanderers back on 26 August. Since that time, there has been a change in the hotseat, as Nuno Espírito Santo was appointed back in September so here’s hoping he can atone for their winless start to 2026 and finally bring some much-needed cheer to the ever-loyal fan base.

However, after a bad week in which today’s hosts have lost both of their crucial Premier League encounters, Julien Stéphan’s side will be hopeful of causing a shock and emulating the success of the Robins from two years ago. The visitors also go into this game the fresher of the two teams, due to the fact that they have had a full week to prepare for the tie, whereas the Irons have only had four days after their late 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest here on Tuesday night.

If the tie ends level at the end of ninety minutes then extra-time will be played. However, should there be no change in the scoreline, a penalty shoot-out will determine who goes into Monday night’s draw for the fourth-round. Fans may also take note that no VAR will be in operation until the fifth-round of the competition and goal-line technology will be used today.

Wholesale changes could be made by Espírito Santo here, as he will make a decision on whether to stick with Alphonse Areola in goal, or restore mads Hermansen to the starting line-up for the first time since the 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur back on September 13.

Kyle Walker-Peters could drop to the bench in favour of the returning Aaron Wan-Bissaka, as the defender is now back in East London after the Democratic Republic of Congo were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday. Valentín Castellanos started against the Tricky Trees whilst Pablo Felipe remained on the bench as he was at Molineux last weekend. The Hammers Head Coach may see this as an ideal opportunity to involve the pair from the start.

Tomáš Souček, Max Kilman, Soungoutou Magassa and Freddie Potts are looking to regain their places after dropping out of the starting line-up four days ago.

George Earthy was involved in the matchday squad against Wolves, as well as the encounter with Sean Dyche’s men but he will not take part here as it was confirmed late on Friday that Bristol City had re-established contact with the East London club about taking the youngster back to Ashton Gate for a second loan spell.

The match kicks off at the unusual time of 2:30pm and the referee is Thomas Kirk.