⚒️ West Ham v Burton Albion – FA Cup Fourth Round Preview
The fixture list has been kind for once, with the Emirates FA Cup fourth round handing West Ham United a home tie against League One strugglers Burton Albion.
On paper, this is exactly the sort of draw you want – London Stadium, lower-league opposition, and a real chance to build momentum. Burton arrive sitting in the bottom three of League One, but don’t be fooled: they’re this season’s top FA Cup scorers with 14 goals and won’t come quietly.
Boss Nuno Espírito Santo has already confirmed Alphonse Areola will start, and rotation is expected. That said, with our attacking depth being what it is, Nuno can only shuffle the pack so much. I wouldn’t be shocked if either Bowen or Summerville still makes the XI.
Match Details
West Ham come into this one in decent nick – four wins from our last six in all competitions – and fresh from a hard-earned Premier League point against Manchester United. Progressing here would take us into the fifth round for the first time since 2022/23.
Burton, meanwhile, have won just once in nine league games and are one point from safety. However, Gary Bowyer’s side have made a habit of cutting loose in this competition, recording big wins over St Albans City, Brackley Town and Boreham Wood to get here.
Team News
West Ham
Alphonse Areola will start in goal
Jean-Clair Todibo serves the final game of his suspension
Pablo Felipe is injured and unavailable
Rotation is expected, but Nuno won’t get silly with it.
Burton Albion
Predicted West Ham XI (fan guess – not insider info!)
I think Nuno rotates without weakening us too much:
Position Player
GK Areola
RB Walker-Peters
CB Kilman
CB Mavropanos
LB Scarles
CM Potts
CM Magassa
RM Traoré
LM Summerville
CAM Fernandes
CF Wilson
Gonzo’s Verdict
Cup games like this are always awkward, especially against a side fighting for their lives and enjoying a proper FA Cup run.
Still, quality should tell.
If we approach it professionally – no messing about, early goal, keep things tidy – this should be comfortable enough.
Prediction: West Ham 3–0 Burton Albion
Job done. On to the fifth round. COYI.