Burton Albion seek a fairytale giant-killing as they host West Ham in the fourth round of 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup.
Victory would see Burton advance to the fifth round for the first time in their history, whilst West Ham seek to move past this stage for the first time since 2022-23 season.
Team News
Burton have no fresh injury concerns after their 2-2 draw at home to Port Vale in League One last weekend.
Dylan Williams, Julian Larsson (both hamstring) and Charlie Webster (ankle) remain ruled out.
West Ham could be without Pablo due to a knock which saw him sit out their 1-1 draw against Manchester United in midweek Premier League action.
Jean-Clair Todibo (suspension) and Lukasz Fabianski (back) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Burton host West Ham at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday 14 February at 12:15pm GMT, live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Burton Albion’s first-ever meeting against West Ham in all competitions.
- West Ham are making their first competitive trip to Burton Albion.
- Burton are yet to beat top-flight opposition in the FA Cup (D1, L4), excluding their 6-1 third-round loss against Leicester in 1984-85 season which had to be replayed after Burton’s goalkeeper was hit by a bottle in the original tie.
- West Ham have won four of their last five FA Cup ties away to lower-league opposition (W4, L1).
Prediction
Currently embroiled in fiercely competitive fight for League One survival, Burton’s priority isn’t really in this competition but they can’t be underestimated with home advantage and they twice came from behind to hold Port Vale last weekend.
West Ham meanwhile have found form in recent weeks but I do expect some changes here after a tough midweek scrap against Man Utd, where a late defensive slip in marking cost them the win yet their quality should see them through because this cup run can help them build momentum further.
As much as I expect Burton to give them a proper battle initially, West Ham really should be too strong if they turn up with the same attacking flair of recent games irrespective of how many changes are made.
Prediction: Burton 1-3 West Ham
Result: Burton 0-1 (AET) West Ham