Another day, another bout of rumours at Premier League strugglers West Ham United, from the future of Nuno Espirito Santo to a host of potential January signings.
At least an FA Cup third-round clash with London neighbours Queens Park Rangers offers the Hammers a chance to put their top-flight nightmare to one side for a day or so.
West Ham United will face QPR for the first time since a 0-0 draw back in 2015.
Captain Jarrod Bowen is desperate to lift the FA Cup in a claret and blue jersey, and a deep run into the latter stages would certainly give a long-suffering fanbase something to smile about.
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What is your FAVOURITE West Ham FA Cup memory?
Di Canio v Barthez, perhaps?
West Ham United kick off their FA Cup campaign vs QPR
The Hammers have been starved of FA Cup success.
Only three times have they lifted the most iconic domestic competition in world football. If Bowen is to get his wish, a morale-boosting, confidence-lifting victory over QPR at the London Stadium in Sunday’s 2.30pm kick-off would be a good place to start.
But what are your favourite FA Cup memories? That Paolo di Canio goal against a statuesque Fabian Barthez? Trevor Brooking’s thumping header in 1980? Or, for those a little longer in the tooth and greyer in the hair, Alan Taylor’s 1975 Wembley brace?
A rare chance for George Earthy looms on Sunday
Which youngster would you most like to see START vs QPR in the FA Cup?
A chance for an up-and-coming keeper? A full debut for Kante, perhaps?
Speaking of the FA Cup third round, what better chance for Nuno to rest some of his underperforming senior players while handing out rare minutes for the kids.
Nuno has opportunities in mind for Mohamadou Kante and Ezra Mayers. Could the duo make their full debuts this weekend? George Earthy is ‘desperate’ to make his mark, too.
Following a superb end to 2025 with the Under-21s, the man who lifted Bristol City’s Young Player of the Year award last term will be champing at the bit against more Championship opposition.
Are there any benefits to relegation at West Ham?
Yes, we know. Be careful what you wish for.
But there are reasons to think relegation might actually be a good thing for West Ham, long-term. Could it finally see the club escape from the vice-like grip of David Sullivan? The Hammers certainly have an impressive core of young talent to build around.
Freddie Potts, George Earthy and Ezra Mayers hint at a brighter future
Danny Dyer might have to dip into his seemingly endless supply of swears if he is to convince Bowen to stay and help the Hammers bounce back from relegation.
If the captain sticks around even in a worst-case scenario situation, an immediate return a la Sam Allardyce in 2013 is far from impossible. Especially with a former Championship Player of the Year in Crysencio Summerville, a potentially prolific number nine in Pablo Felipe, and a handful of exciting up-and-comers.
West Ham need to get a deal for Charlie Cresswell over the line
Charlie Cresswell will be West Ham’s best defender…😍
How can Nuno convince him to join?
The Hammers are not down and out just yet, though, as much as it may feel like it right now.
Nuno is demanding more signings after the £44 million double-deal for Taty Castellanos and Pablo. West Ham remain in contention for Charlie Cresswell, too. The ex-Leeds prospect has developed into one of the most impressive young defenders around since crossing the Channel and joining Toulouse.
For a team who have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season, the addition of a towering and occasionally-goalscoring centre-back would be welcomed with open arms.
Can you remember the Hammers’ hat-trick heroes
Can you GUESS the three missing players from the list of West Ham hat-trick scorers? ⚽⚽⚽
Who stunned Arsenal in 2016? And who ended an eight-year wait for a Prem treble?
An FA Cup treble for either Castellanos or Pablo would certainly be a welcome distraction from recent on and off-field concerns.
Only five West Ham players have scored a Premier League hat-trick, meanwhile, since 2005. Can you remember the three who came before Bowen and Michail Antonio?
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