West Ham United have earned the right to enjoy tonight’s Carabao Cup meeting with Fulham.
Four consecutive Championship victories have taken Nuno Espírito Santo’s side to the top of the table, while Fulham provide an opportunity to test that momentum against Premier League opposition.
But Nuno cannot allow the attraction of another statement victory to compromise West Ham’s bigger objective.
The Hammers travel to Millwall at 12.30pm on Saturday, just four days after tonight’s 7.45pm kick-off at London Stadium.
Nuno should protect West Ham’s key men
Claret & Hugh have described tonight’s tie as a “free hit” for West Ham. Read their Fulham preview
That should make rotation easier rather than encourage Nuno to chase the result with his strongest XI.
Jarrod Bowen and Arne Engels have become central figures in West Ham’s promotion push. Neither needs another demanding 90 minutes four days before one of the most intense fixtures of the season.
Nuno has already demonstrated that he trusts his squad in this competition.
He made eight changes against Southampton in the previous round, with Finlay Herrick, Lewis Orford and several academy players starting a 4-1 victory. Read how Nuno rotated against Southampton
Fulham is an opportunity for West Ham’s depth
Divine Mukasa should be one of the players given responsibility tonight.
The Manchester City loanee has already forced his way into Nuno’s thinking and offers exactly the kind of quality West Ham recruited to survive a demanding Championship season. Read why Mukasa has given Nuno a selection decision
Edvin Austbø, Mohamadou Kanté and Orford can also provide fresh legs without turning the evening into a surrender.
Our latest predicted XI expects Nuno to make seven changes against Fulham. See our full West Ham predicted XI
Winning tonight would maintain the feelgood factor.
Winning at Millwall would matter considerably more.
Nuno should select accordingly.
