West Ham United

Tyrese King
BBC Sport journalist

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at London Stadium (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Speaking about Pablo Felipe's injury: "We have to take it day by day and assess him. He's getting better each day and hopefully he can join us soon."

• He also confirmed that everyone else is "OK" and available for selection for Saturday.

• If they beat the Cherries, West Ham would draw level on points with Nottingham Forest, who do not play until Sunday: "I see it as another game, we have to focus on ourselves, and do our jobs and ignore what is happening with other teams."

• He added: "This is a massive and important game for us at home. I expect a good atmosphere at the London Stadium with the fans helping us, so we can overcome together."

• On Bournemouth: "It's a big test. They are a good team, it's not about comparing [us], but about realising the threats and good players that they have and try to contain them."

• He urged his team to "play the game and recognise that they are a tough opponent. They are a good team with a good dynamic, getting good results. It's up to us to get a good performance".

• On how West Ham have developed during the relegation battle: "I don't see much difference because I see them every day, training and preparing themselves. What I realised is that there is a desire, a commitment to getting out of this situation. I think we have been able to show character."

• On Valentin "Taty" Castellanos's bright start to life in the East End: "I think we have been lucky to have him. Since he's joined, I think he has brought a lot of good things to the team, his energy, hard work, the goals and the way he plays football."

• He added: "We had a look at him [before signing] and decided to bring him in because we believe in him. There was a clear need for a player in that position."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

West Ham are leading the race to sign 24-year-old Canada striker Promise David from Belgium side Union Saint-Gilloise. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Holly Turbutt
Fan contributor

One big result against Bournemouth could change so much for West Ham, because we have the opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone.

Nottingham Forest are three points above us and we're four behind on goal difference, so there is absolutely everything to play for.

If results go our way - a few teams around us drop points and we manage to get the win - we could climb out of the drop zone and this is the first time we've had an opportunity like this in a very long time. But, on top of that, we are looking more convincing as a side.

If we can get out of the drop zone, we've then got Spurs, Leeds, Brighton and Crystal Palace all well within reach, so this really could be a huge turning point. We've had a lot of opportunities we've missed or not really capitalised on, but this is one we really need to take.

When you look at the turnaround we've managed, it is remarkable. We've gone from a team that's very far adrift, with zero idea of how we're going to climb out of trouble, to now looking at a side that just drew 1-1 with Manchester United. We would have taken a draw before that game, and obviously it's disappointing to drop points so late, but nonetheless, our attacks that we're piecing together look so much more convincing.

We still have a lot of work to do in terms of defence, but we're not conceding quite as many goals and we're finding ways to get those wins. That's what we've needed to do so desperately to give fans hope, to give players confidence, and to just give us that belief we can make something happen this season still.

We're now in a position where we do have everything to play for. We're going to have to see how we do against Bournemouth, but I'm feeling positive - as a lot more fans are now - that we can actually get out of the drop zone.

If we can, that third spot for relegation is up for grabs and we're hoping it's not got West Ham's name on it.

Find more from Holly Turbutt at West Ham Network, external

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the FA Cup fifth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties in the order they were drawn.

• Fulham v Southampton

• Port Vale or Bristol City v Sunderland

• Newcastle United v Manchester City

• Leeds United v Norwich City

• Mansfield Town v Arsenal

• Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool

• Wrexham v Chelsea

• West Ham v Macclesfield or Brentford

The matches will be played over the weekend of 7 March.

Watch all the highlights and best video from this season's FA Cup

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville has found opportunity to "flourish" under boss Nuno Espirito Santo, says former goalkeeper David James.

The 24-year-old came off the bench late on to help save the Hammers from an FA Cup fourth round shock against League one Burton Albion.

It was Summerville's sixth goal in seven games and the former Leeds man has been a crucial player in West Ham's recent good form that sees them with just one defeat in their past seven games.

The latest win, however, did come amid more protests from fans against the club's board.

"I think the whole West Ham situation is interesting," James told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"With [Lucas] Paqueta leaving, I think what has happened now is the rest of the players have the opportunity to flourish and I think Summerville has fallen into that. If you look at his recent form it's all since Paqueta has not been there.

"I thought he [Summerville] was a great signing when they signed him and have been waiting waited for him to show the kind of form from when he was at Leeds and sometimes he was he was superb. Now we're seeing it.

"I've got to say, the Manchester United game, there was frustration [at the result], but the thing that I was gauging was the atmosphere at the London Stadium, and at times that place was rocking.

"I thought, 'you know what, this is the thing that I would love people to talk about'. I know the result in the end, unfortunately it was the last minute, but up until that point, that place was superb.

"All I've heard this season is about how bad it is and it's just like, if they do the stuff on the pitch then they get the fans behind them."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup four round game between Burton Albion and West Ham.

Here are some of your comments:

Bob: Well done to Nuno on this one, banana skin avoided and not risking major players who are needed for league survival. Always going to be difficult on a League One pitch but once again it's Summerville to the rescue and we're into the hat for the fifth-round draw.

Mr Grump: We are through, job done. We rested players that needed a rest and played players that needed a run out. We played a team that don't play together normally. The staff will get more out of the game than if it was a stroll in the park.

Sue: I think the team struggled because there were too many changes and they were not used to playing together. They got there in the end but it was a struggle.

Chris: Not a great performance but a lot of changes always meant it might not be. Potts was daft with his challenge, bringing unneeded pressure, but more so because we will be without him for three games. We can't afford to lose players with ground we have to make up in the league.

Ross: If we end up going on a cup run, nobody will remember us struggling to a 1-0 win at Burton. A win is a win and we managed to rest some key players.

James: That was poor but credit must go to Burton. If Nuno had any doubts about his fringe players they were certainly proved today.

Matthew: We always make hard work of these kinds of fixtures, so not really surprised by our lacklustre performance. Second half was improved, but relying on a moment of brilliance from Summerville to break down a League One side is hardly promising. But at least we're through!

Image source, Getty Images

The 2025-26 FA Cup fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, 16 February at about 18:35 GMT.

It will be done before the fourth-round tie between Macclesfield Town - the lowest-ranked team left in the competition - and Brentford, with former England internationals Joe Cole and Karen Carney conducting the draw on TNT Sports.

Supporters can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.

All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 7 March.

Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.

What are the ball numbers?

1. Liverpool

2. Fulham

3. Sunderland

4. Southampton

5. Wrexham

6. Arsenal

7. Chelsea

8. West Ham United

9. Mansfield Town

10. Norwich City

11. Port Vale or Bristol City

12. Wolverhampton Wanderers

13. Newcastle United

14. Manchester City

15. Macclesfield or Brentford

16. Leeds United

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Crysencio Summerville's previous six goals came across a run of 56 club appearances across all competitions, five for Leeds and one for West Ham.

His form could not come at a better time with the Hammers third bottom of the Premier League and three points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

They host Bournemouth on Saturday before going to Liverpool on 28 February with Summerville having rediscovered the form which convinced West Ham to spend big on him.

"He's in a good moment, he is full of confidence, everything he does seems to go well so we need to take advantage of it," said boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

"It's confidence, all players know how it is. It's all about confidence. He is in a good moment and he is working for the team. You cannot play in the Premier League if you don't have self-confidence."

Nuno refused to concede he should have brought Summerville on earlier than the 83rd minute but felt making 10 changes was the right decision for his team.

"Sometimes you get it right and sometimes you don't but it's what the team needs, more important than anything is the respect for the players who started the game," he added.

"We knew Burton would come on strong, every throw-in and ever set-piece is a situation that requires maximum attention, and the players did well in that aspect.

"There were some tired legs in extra time and Summerville helped us out. When he is one v one and in space, he is almost unstoppable."

Read more Summerville analysis here

Pundits Ellen White and Shay Given join host Alex Scott to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's FA Cup ties.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Hull City 0-4 Chelsea

• Wrexham 1-0 Ipswich

• Burton Albion 0-1 West Ham

• Manchester City 2-0 Salford City

• Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle

• Liverpool 3-0 Brighton and Hove Albion

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC Sport: "We knew it would be tough. We were able to contain them in the aspect of set-pieces and throw-ins. We did that in the first half and then in the second half, we came on strong with chances. Then Summerville gave us a hand. He is in a good moment, he is helping out the team. This is what we expect from them.

"This is a magical competition. It is unique. We have a lot of respect. Today we came through, the draw is Monday. We go day by day."

On Freddie Potts' sending off: "What I know for sure if Freddie is not a violent player. He is aggressive but is always very fair. I did not see it and cannot judge the decision of the referee."

On making 10 changes: "The most important thing is they had chance to play get minutes in the legs. Moving forward we will need them all.

"We knew Burton would come on strong, every throw-in and every set-piece is a situation that requires maximum attention and the players did well in that aspect.

"There were some tired legs in extra-time and Summerville helped us out. He is doing a good job, he is in a good moment. When he is one v one and in space he is almost unstoppable."

West Ham defender Konstantinos Mavropanos speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "In this competition every game can be difficult, and they gave everything that they had. They made it difficult for us. In the end we showed character and got the job done to get through to the next round.

"Under the circumstances with the pitch we had to manage the game a bit but we managed to do that. Early on in the game they had a lot of pressure and made it difficult for us but we kept a clean sheet at the back and with our quality we made it 1-0 to get the job done.

On match-winner Summerville: "We knew when we got him the player he is and now he is in top form and he just has to keep going. All the lads in the last couple of weeks we saw that we are improving and we want to do more than the first half of the season.

"We all just try to help each other and we do the same with [Summerville]. We see what his qualities are and we try to get everything from this."

Did you know?

• Crysencio Summerville has scored six goals in his last seven appearances for West Ham; his previous six goals came across a run of 56 club appearances across all competitions (five for Leeds, one for West Ham).

• Freddie Potts, at 22 years 155 days old, is the youngest West Ham player to be sent off since Callum McNaughton in August 2011 (aged 19), who was dismissed in a League Cup match against Aldershot.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It was a let-off for the Hammers who were poor, sloppy and lacked imagination.

Nuno's 10 changes looked like it could backfire with Burton the better side for long spells.

A more dynamic side would have taken advantage of the visitors, who needed their man of the moment Summerville to save them from at least going to penalties.

The travelling fans, who chanted "sack the board" early on after the plane circled the ground would have had more ammunition if Burton had sprung a shock.

Ultimately they have progressed - but it was nervy and West Ham had to ride out some late Burton pressure and chances.

Nuno can claim it was mission accomplished, he rested several key players and West Ham still went through. But it does not offer much comfort over the depth of his squad before the relegation run-in.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of West Ham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Burton made one change from their 2-2 draw at Port Vale as the look to shock West Ham.

Jack Armer replaces Alex Hartridge in defence with 12-goal top-scorer Jake Beesley leading the line.

Burton XI: Collins, Godwin-Malife, Armer, Vancooten, Revan, Lofthouse, Evans, McKiernan, Shade, Beesley, Krubally

Subs: Dudek, Chauke, Sibbick, Tavares, Moon, Sraha, Larsson, Adom, Cannon

Defender Konstantinos Mavropanos is the only man to keep his place following Tuesday's draw with Manchester United as Nuno Espirito Santo makes 10 changes for West Ham.

Winger Keiber Lamadrid makes his debut after joining on loan from Deportivo La Guaira in Venezuela in January.

Mohamadou Kante and Adama Traore make their full debuts for the Hammers.

West Ham XI: Areola, Mavropanos, Mayers, Kilman, Walker-Peters, Magassa, Kante, Lamadrid, Scarles, Traore, Wilson

Subs: Herrick, Disasi, Summerville, Taty, Diouf, Wan-Bissaka, Potts, Orford, Ajala

There are seven ties in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Burton v West Ham (12:15) - BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Radio Derby

• Burnley v Mansfield - BBC Radio Lancashire & BBC Radio Nottingham

• Man City v Salford - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 & BBC Radio Manchester

• Norwich v West Brom - BBC Radio Norfolk & BBC Radio WM

• Port Vale P-P Bristol City

• Southampton v Leicester- BBC Radio Solent & BBC Radio Leicester

• Aston Villa v Newcastle (17:45) - BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra (with second half on BBC Radio 5 Live), BBC Radio WM & BBC Radio Newcastle

• Liverpool v Brighton (20:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Merseyside & BBC Radio Sussex

Kick-offs 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Burton v West Ham" of "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Brighton", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

How to follow the FA Cup fourth round on the BBC

Image source, Getty Images

Recently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.

He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.

On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.

"As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.

"Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.

"Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.

"You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.

"My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."

Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.

"For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.

"It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.

"Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Flora Snelson
BBC Sport journalist

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium (kick-off 12:15 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Pablo is injured and "he'll be out for a while, we don't know exactly how long".

• With the exceptions of Pablo and Jean-Clair Todibo - who is suspended - all players are available for the cup tie.

• On the impact of their improved performances: "What happened ignited the atmosphere at the London Stadium, our home, we can feel it. The place gives and the fans give back in a huge way for us."

• On the sackings of Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche: "This is what the industry is all about, unfortunately for my fellow colleagues. They will get back in the game soon."

• On giving up a lead against Man Utd: "It was a tough one to take. But we performed really well against a very good team."

• On their FA Cup hopes: "It's a beautiful competition. We're going to compete, we're going to try and go through."

• On team selection for Burton: "The cup is always a good chance to give minutes to players who don't get many, for them to improve - we will need them further ahead."

• Nuno confirmed that Alphonse Areola will play against Burton.

• On Adama Traore: "He has a lot of things to improve, having been out of competition for a while, but he's putting all that he can into training sessions. We need him to get back to his best."

You can listen to full commentary of Burton v West Ham on BBC Radio Five Live on Saturday

Image source, Getty Images

The 40-point mark - or thereabouts - could be needed once again to guarantee Premier League survival this term, with an in-form West Ham United attempting to chase down the sides above them.

That mythical number has often been cited as the threshold at which managers, players and fans can relax - but the total has not actually been needed to stay up since 2010-11.

Prior to that the only other occasions clubs were demoted with 40 points or more were 1996-97, 1997-98 and 2002-03.

But could that be about to change?

West Ham, who are 18th in the top flight, are only three points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, who sacked manager Sean Dyche after Wednesday's goalless draw with Wolves.

While Tottenham - who sacked boss Thomas Frank on Wednesday - are 16th, another two points ahead of Forest.

• Read a full breakdown on the 40-point target

West Ham's current points tally (24) is the most by any side in 18th at this stage of a campaign since 2019-20, when the Hammers recovered to stay up with 39 points.

Leeds also look to have found some momentum with recent wins over Fulham and Forest as well as draws at Everton and Chelsea.

In contrast, Spurs have managed a meagre four points from the previous 27 available to them.

Meanwhile, now managerless Forest have won just two of their past 10 games and fans of Brighton and Crystal Palace may also be looking over their shoulders.

The 14th-placed Seagulls (31 points) are on a dismal run having won just one top-flight game since 30 November.

Palace - who are a place and a point above Brighton - have only tasted victory once since 7 December and most recently let a two-goal lead slip as they lost to struggling Burnley.

That magic 40-point mark could well be needed once more to avoid dropping into the Championship.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Somers to bring you the action and talking points from Tuesday's and Wednesday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

We asked for your thoughts after Tuesday's Premier League game between West Ham and Man Utd.

Here are some of your comments:

West Han fans

Manni: It's the first time in a long time that an atmosphere like that has been around the London Stadium! The energy was great and finally a feeling of togetherness! Keep that effort and we might be OK.

Joe: Would have took a point before a kick of the ball but I'm still gutted for the boys. Played really well and was undone by a wonder goal. If we keeping playing like this, we will have teams looking over their shoulder.

John: I was there last night. I'm sorry but despite the support and the energy we can't win important games. We will keep fighting and I would expect nothing less after the last two seasons but we will get relegated. We need too much from the teams above us. I can't see Spurs and or Forest continuing their bad form.

Harry: This result hurt. We were perfect for 95 minutes. Baffled at where they got seven minutes extra time from. The VAR check was quick, no injuries and not all subs were used. To say Man Utd deserve a point just because they attacked hard undermines the brilliant performance from our defenders who kept them out. With all that attack they could only register nine shots with three of those shots being on target. Although it hurts, the belief is back thanks to Nuno. West Ham won't get relegated if we can keep performing like that.

Adrian: We let them come on to us too much in the second quarter and were lucky not to concede. But this West Ham team is a level above the team that Nuno took over. It's really exciting to see them pulling together and the 12th man - us, the fans - is responding at last.

Man Utd fans

Nick: The first half was full of fear - we played at a walking pace. The second half only turned into a match once West Ham scored, and I don't understand why we didn't go after them from minute one.

Bernard: Clearly massive improvement on Amorim but we need to start coming out of defence with more energy and positivity. Martinez has shown in previous years that he can do this but this season has taken to walking out with the ball. And Luke Shaw has become entirely predictable in receiving the ball and just passing backwards. We are providing the opposition too much time to pack their defence and mark our players.

Bob: Looked like some of the players thought they only had to turn up to win and they forgot West Ham are fighting for survival.

Siggi: They were lethargic and at times not very interested. A pity as although West Ham are playing a little better while fighting for survival, they are only a mediocre team. We beat four stronger opponents on the trot recently. United will beat Everton when they next play.

John: West Ham executed their game plan excellently. All credit to them, but a brilliant point for us and loving the desire to fight until the end. Carrick is still unbeaten at United which is quite remarkable.