West Ham’s first home fixture in a month and new coach [Nuno Espirito Santo’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/likely-to-start-his-first-game-nuno-ready-to-promote-from-the-naughty-step/) first at London Stadium gets underway tonight in an hour and a quarter. The Hammers are seeking to climb out of the relegation zone with three points in what will be only their third home win in nine months if they can overcome Brentford’s threat.
The Bees have a poor away record this season, winless on the road. The backdrop to the game, with home fans protesting against the clubs owners means that a solid tranche of home support for the Hammers is far from guaranteed as we’ll wait to see the effect of the called-for boycott of the fixture.
Team selection nobody had predicted- least of all Brentford’s manager!
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West Ham’s starting eleven has just been announced and **there’s a massive surprise in store for Hammers fans:** A back line of **Ollie Scarles,** **Kyle Walker-Peters,Jean Clair Todibo** and **Max Kilman!**
No Diouf , Wan Bissaka or Mavropanos. The coach has decided to stick with the back four who were not away on international duty and have been working with him for two weeks. A brave call.
Possibly with half an eye on the quick turnaround for Leeds on Friday too, Nuno performs his own unique ‘rotation’ which also means Andy Irving starts in midfield ahead of Soungoutou Magassa. The only ‘as predicted’ element of the side is the front trio.
**West Ham United:**
**Areola | Walker Peters, Kilman, Todibo, Scarles | Fernandes , Irving , Soucek | Summerville, Paquetá, Bowen (c)**
We’ll have match reports and Gonzo’s ‘player ratings’ immediately after the game so – sit back, enjoy Sky’s coverage if you can and report back here at full time to compare our own verdict with your opinions… **_Come.On. You. Irons!_**