Nuno Espírito Santo has a strong case for making only one change to his West Ham United side when the Hammers travel to Millwall on Saturday.
West Ham’s last Championship outing could hardly have gone better, with the Hammers beating Wrexham 6-0 at London Stadium to move top of the table.
Tuesday’s 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Fulham then gave Nuno an opportunity to rotate his squad, leaving several regular starters relatively fresh for Saturday’s derby at The Den.
One enforced alteration, however, looks increasingly likely.
Kyle Walker-Peters set for West Ham return
Joël Veltman started against Wrexham but was forced off after 30 minutes.
That has already created uncertainty over his availability, with Read West Ham examining the latest on Veltman’s fitness ahead of the Millwall derby.
If the Dutchman misses out, Kyle Walker-Peters looks the most natural replacement.
The England international came on for Veltman against Wrexham before starting Tuesday’s cup tie against Fulham.
Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman should continue centrally, while Morato has done enough to retain his place on the left after scoring against Fulham.
Lewis Orford gives Nuno midfield decision
The more interesting selection question comes in midfield.
Arne Engels and Divine Mukasa started during the 6-0 victory over Wrexham, and both have a strong argument to keep their places.
However, Lewis Orford strengthened his case significantly against Fulham.
The academy midfielder produced a composed display against Premier League opposition, with Read West Ham looking at why Orford’s performance has created a fresh selection dilemma for Nuno.
A derby at The Den could suit Orford’s willingness to compete for possession, but dropping either Engels or Mukasa after West Ham’s recent Championship form would be difficult to justify.
Continuity may therefore win out, with Orford offering Nuno a strong option from the bench.
Bowen, Piroe and Castellanos should all start
West Ham’s attacking structure should remain largely unchanged.
Jarrod Bowen remains an automatic selection on the right, while Manor Solomon should continue from the opposite flank.
That would leave Joël Piroe and Taty Castellanos together through the middle.
Castellanos has been one of West Ham’s most productive attacking players in the Championship despite coming under criticism after his huge late miss against Fulham.
Piroe, meanwhile, was rested entirely during the cup defeat, leaving him well placed to return at The Den.
Nuno also has another option after Pablo Felipe finally opened his West Ham account against Fulham.
The Portuguese forward’s breakthrough prompted Nuno to predict a major confidence boost, with Read West Ham analysing what Pablo’s first goal could mean for his Championship role.
That gives Nuno genuine attacking depth if Millwall prove difficult to break down.
West Ham predicted XI vs Millwall
Formation: 4-4-2
GK: Mads Hermansen
RB: Kyle Walker-Peters
CB: Konstantinos Mavropanos
CB: Max Kilman
LB: Morato
RM: Jarrod Bowen
CM: Arne Engels
CM: Divine Mukasa
LM: Manor Solomon
ST: Joël Piroe
ST: Taty Castellanos
The temptation will be to reward Orford after his Fulham performance.
For now, though, continuity should win.
West Ham scored six goals with this attacking structure against Wrexham, while the likely absence of Veltman creates the clearest reason for Nuno to alter his successful Championship XI.
Millwall’s physical approach will present a very different challenge, particularly with Lyndon Dykes entering the derby in excellent form.
Read West Ham has already highlighted why the in-form Millwall striker could be the biggest threat to Nuno’s defence.
After four consecutive Championship wins, however, Nuno has little reason to overhaul a team that is already delivering.
