Guffwatch

Unpacking the West Ham news cycle.

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Queens Park Rangers Match (h)

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The guessing is over: Tomáš Souček starts as West Ham host QPR on Friday at 8pm. Nuno has also named Manor Solomon and Dinos Mavropanos in the XI, with Alphonse Areola on the bench.

West Ham are unbeaten in six league matches, while Keiber Lamadrid is ruled out and Mohamadou Kanté is suspended. The club will honour Luděk Mikloško before kick-off.

No-Guff Summary

  • Tomáš Souček starts against QPR in his first West Ham matchday squad of the season.
  • West Ham's XI includes Solomon and Mavropanos; Areola and Veltman are among the substitutes.
  • Lamadrid is ruled out and Kanté is suspended.
  • West Ham host QPR at 8pm after six league matches unbeaten, with a tribute to Luděk Mikloško before kick-off.
Development Updated

Souček plays in friendly before QPR; Veltman to be assessed

Tomáš Souček has played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wycombe Wanderers after his ankle ligament injury. West Ham's fixture guide says he hopes to make his first competitive appearance of the season against QPR on Friday. That is a step towards a return, not a confirmed selection.

The club says Joël Veltman will be assessed after an absence dating from his substitution against Wrexham on 11 September. Mohamadou Kanté is set to miss the match through suspension. Nuno Espírito Santo's pre-match briefing on Thursday may clarify the remaining selection questions.

Sources

  • West Ham Official (opens in a new tab) — Explains matchday arrangements, broadcast details and team news ahead of West Ham’s Championship fixture against QPR, and outlines a planned tribute to former goalkeeper Luděk Mikloško.
  • Football League World (opens in a new tab) — Reports that Mohamadou Kante is suspended and Joel Veltman is expected to miss West Ham’s match against QPR, while several QPR players are also unavailable or doubtful.
  • Claret&Hugh (opens in a new tab) — Argues that international workloads and reported minor injuries could leave West Ham with selection decisions ahead of the QPR match, while discussing defensive cover and squad options.
  • FromTheSpot (opens in a new tab) — Previews West Ham’s Championship match against QPR, including team news and broadcast details.
  • Claret&Hugh (opens in a new tab) — Argues that West Ham’s squad depth could be an advantage across seven games in 20 days, beginning with the home fixture against QPR, and says Tomáš Souček and Edson Álvarez are available for selection.