Football League World
·21 August 2026
Pablo dropped? The West Ham XI that Nuno must play v Charlton

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·21 August 2026

FLW have looked at an ideal XI for the Hammers against the Addicks
West Ham United's first Championship match in 14 years didn't exactly go to plan against fellow newly-relegated outfit, Burnley, at Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon.
Even though it was the Clarets who dominated possession and, arguably, created an array of clear-cut chances in comparison to the Hammers, it seemed as if Nuno Espírito Santo's side would get off to a winning start through goals from Max Kilman and Manor Solomon.
However, Burnley were able to stage a late comeback with Zian Flemming's brace, with the first of his goals coming with seven minutes remaining after Oliver Scarles' rash tackle inside the penalty area on Marcus Edwards.
Now the Portuguese's attention turns to an all-London affair against Charlton Athletic, who defeated Derby County 2-1 at The Valley despite the fact Nathan Jones' side have been heavily tipped for relegation from the second tier.
After a mixed performance, some changes could be expected, and FLW have looked at an ideal XI for Nuno to select at the London Stadium for the Hammers against the Addicks.

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Mads Hermansen will be expected to continue in goal for West Ham in this fixture, having begun to impress under Nuno after a tricky start to his E20 career after signing for £20m from Leicester City last summer.
The 26-year-old is also close to closing in on 50 Championship appearances combined for the Foxes.

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Kyle Walker-Peters didn't have the strongest of performances at Turf Moor, but the right-back will also be expected to remain in the side against Charlton.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka seeing a loan deal, which includes an obligation-to-buy, agreed with Aston Villa, it leaves the 29-year-old as the Hammers' main option in this area of the pitch, although Joel Veltman provides adequate cover.

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It remains a mystery to some that West Ham have retained Konstantinos Mavropanos' services despite understandable transfer interest, and no doubt the Greek is one of Nuno's first names on the teamsheet at this point.
The club's Hammer of the Year also put in a solid display in East Lancashire, winning the vast majority of his defensive battles.

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Max Kilman has received plenty of criticism since his £40m switch from Wolves two summers ago, but the centre-back will be hoping his 10th-minute header against Burnley is the catalyst for a strong individual season this time around.
As well as netting from a set-piece, the 29-year-old also looked largely assured alongside Mavropanos for large spells on the opening day.

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Despite conceding the penalty which led to the first of Flemming's late goals, the aforementioned Scarles may be Nuno's first, and only choice at left-back this weekend.
According to reports, El Hadji Malick Diouf is on the verge of returning to the Premier League with Brentford, with the Hammers set to bank £40m in the process, although a replacement would be welcomed between now and Deadline Day.

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James Ward-Prowse replaced the underwhelming Pablo at half-time against his former loan club on Sunday, but could come into the side in place of Lewis Orford against Charlton.
When at full capacity, the former England international has the ability to be one of the strongest technicians in the Championship, and his ball-playing ability could be key to unlocking a robust defence from the visitors.

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Alongside Ward-Prowse is Mohamadou Kante, who could be set for a major breakthrough season with the Irons after a handful of league appearances last season.
In the first two competitive matches of the season, the 20-year-old has slotted in well, and therefore, will be deserving of his spot in this all-London affair regardless of any other changes.

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After not being a part of the squad which travelled to Turf Moor, Arne Engels has now had a full week of training at Rush Green since his Championship-record £22m switch from Celtic.
The Belgian was one of the best creative players in Scotland last season with seven goals and eight assists in all competitions, whilst his underlying numbers were just as impressive, and a positive start on that front for West Ham could help set the tone for another strong season on an individual and collective basis for the 22-year-old.

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On the right-wing is club captain and modern-day Hammers legend, Jarrod Bowen, who has already started the season strongly with a goal and an assist in two competitive games.
The 29-year-old is one of the names strongly tipped to win the Championship's Golden Boot this season too, so he will be hoping to open his league account on home territory to help his side to a much-needed victory in terms of confidence in the promotion race.

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Looking to build on his debut goal is Solomon, who also impressed in general play for the Irons, but will have felt aggrieved his 71st-minute strike didn't lead to three points.
Having won the Championship when on loan with Leeds United two seasons ago, the 27-year-old will know exactly what is required to see off teams who will raise their game when facing off against, arguably, the most historic and biggest club in the division.







































