---
title: "Hammers Face Injury-Plagued Portsmouth in Carabao Cup Opening Round"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/west-ham-portsmouth-carabao-cup-preview-team-news-wujzq
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-08T13:10:00.000Z
modified: 2026-08-08T16:30:30.302Z
language: en-IN
---

# Hammers Face Injury-Plagued Portsmouth in Carabao Cup Opening Round

West Ham United enters the Carabao Cup as heavy favorites against a Portsmouth side missing seven first-team players. The Premier League hosts carry momentum from an unbeaten pre-season into this clash at the London Stadium.

## Key takeaways

- West Ham enters the fixture following an unbeaten pre-season run of two wins and three draws.
- Portsmouth will be without seven key players including Marlon Pack and Josef Bursik due to injuries.
- Jarrod Bowen is favored to score against a Portsmouth defense missing multiple first-choice starters.
- Tomas Soucek is ruled out for West Ham, but new signing Joel Veltman could make his debut.

## Why It Matters

This cup fixture provides West Ham an opportunity to cement their tactical rhythm before the Premier League season commences. For Portsmouth, the match serves as a high-stakes endurance test for a squad currently depleted by a significant injury crisis across multiple positions.

## Key Facts

- West Ham United maintained an unbeaten record throughout their five pre-season fixtures, securing two wins and three draws.
- Portsmouth manager John Mousinho faces a selection crisis with Josef Bursik, Conor Ogilvie, Jacob Farrell, Marlon Pack, Mark Kosznovszky, Harvey Blair, and Josh Murphy all confirmed absentees.
- Jarrod Bowen remains the central figure for the Hammers' attack, serving as both the primary goal threat and the designated penalty taker.
- Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop is expected to lead the line as the visitors' main counter-attacking outlet.
- The Hammers are missing Tomas Soucek due to an ankle injury sustained at the World Cup, while new arrival Joel Veltman is eligible for selection.

## Background

Historical data between these two clubs offers little insight due to their recent residency in different tiers of the English football pyramid. West Ham enters the tie with a distinct advantage in resources and squad depth, contrasting sharply with a Portsmouth side that struggled for consistency during a pre-season that saw them record two wins, two losses, and three draws.

## What Happens Next

Portsmouth is expected to deploy a compact defensive block to frustrate the hosts, relying on Bishop to capitalize on transition moments. However, the Hammers' offensive unit, featuring Maxwel Cornet and Taty alongside Bowen, will likely test a makeshift Pompey defense that is missing several regular starters. Analysts anticipate a high-scoring encounter given the disparity in available personnel and the hosts' attacking efficiency.

Source: Squawka

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/west-ham-portsmouth-carabao-cup-preview-team-news-wujzq
Reported from: Squawka