West Ham predicted XI vs Fulham: Taty Castellanos axed as three Rush Green gems get chance

West Ham United will be looking to prove their mettle against Premier League opposition Fulham in the Carabao Cup.

It is a London derby for Nuno Espirito Santo's men, and an excellent chance to provide more confidence for his squad.

The Hammers are sitting top of the Championship table, but an opportunity to push further in the domestic cup competitions cannot go amiss.

A win against the Cottagers would help to show where the Irons truly are in their push for promotion.

The supercomputer has predicted West Ham's chances in this all-London clash.

West Ham Zone now predicts the lineup that Nuno may opt to go with, as one eye will be on the mouth-watering Millwall clash on the weekend too.

Injuries force West Ham changes at the back

West Ham will see changes from their starting lineup that faced Wrexham on Friday evening.

Joel Veltman was forced off injured after just 30 minutes, meaning Kyle Walker-Peters is the likely man to come in to replace the Dutchman.

Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman are the probable centre-back duo, while Ollie Scarles could come back in at left-back with Morato dropping out in that instance.

Scarles could be one of three academy graduates to feature.

Nuno does have a choice between Finlay Herrick and Mads Hermansen, but with this being against Premier League opposition, the Portuguese is likely to stick with the Danish goalkeeper.

Why Nuno Espirito Santo will twist in midfield and attack

Jarrod Bowen is likely to maintain his place on the right of midfield, but Manor Solomon could come out of the lineup to be rested.

The Hammers will want to rest some of their top stars ahead of a significant derby clash against Millwall looming after Fulham.

Joshua Ajala could be given another chance to start after shining in the previous round against Southampton.

While Lewis Orford may come in for Taty Castellanos, with Nuno potentially looking to shore up his midfield against tougher opposition.

Making him and Ajala the second and third youth products potentially in the lineup.

Divine Mukasa and Arne Engels are likely to keep their place, creating a blanket midfield five.

Joel Piroe, meanwhile, could be given the chance to continue his fine form after scoring his third for the Hammers against Wrexham.

West Ham United predicted XI vs Fulham: Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Scarles; Bowen, Mukasa, Engels, Orford, Ajala; Piroe.