Nuno Espirito Santo is expected to make three changes to his West Ham starting XI for Saturday’s crucial Championship clash with West Brom, with Edvin Austbo finally in line for a start.

Norwegian winger Edvin Austbo has been knocking on the door after several impressive substitute appearances and an outstanding display in a training session watched by West Ham supporters at the London Stadium.

Hammers News understands Nuno Espirito Santo could finally give the £12m summer signing the opportunity fans have been demanding, with Manor Solomon expected to drop to the bench.

There will also be changes elsewhere as West Ham look to bounce back from their damaging defeat to Southampton and keep their promotion campaign on track.

Austbo in as one of three West Ham changes for West Brom

The biggest selection call concerns the left wing, where Austbo is expected to replace Solomon.

Supporters have become increasingly frustrated by Nuno’s persistence with the Israeli despite Austbo offering considerably more attacking threat in recent appearances.

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Tomas Soucek of West Ham United celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's fifth goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Lincoln City and West Ham United at the Gelder Group Sincil Bank Stadium in Lincoln, on October 14, 2026.

Hammers News previously compared the pair across nine key per-90-minute statistics, with Austbo coming out ahead of Solomon in seven categories.

The former Viking star also stood out during the recent open training session, strengthening the feeling that he is ready for a more prominent role.

After the Southampton defeat, Nuno needs more energy, direct running and creativity from his wide players. Austbo offers all three and could give West Ham a different dimension against a West Brom side who are themselves challenging near the top of the table.

Jarrod Bowen is expected to start on the opposite flank after returning to training on Friday following his ankle scare. Nuno described the captain as seeming fine, providing a welcome boost after an anxious few days.

The second expected change is at centre-back, where impressive youngster Airidas Golambeckis is tipped to replace Konstantinos Mavropanos.

The Greek international suffered a significant knee injury against Southampton and, although it is not season-ending, Hammers News understands West Ham are unlikely to risk him before the international break.

Golambeckis and Pablo set for West Ham recalls

Nuno confirmed that Mavropanos was recovering and had been working individually on the grass, but admitted there were still concerns over his availability.

Joel Veltman is also a doubt, making Golambeckis a particularly interesting option. The youngster has shown promise and could now be handed an important opportunity alongside Max Kilman.

The third change is expected to see Pablo replace Valentin Castellanos through the middle.

Taty has struggled to justify his hefty transfer fee and has failed to provide the consistent goals West Ham need. Pablo offers a different profile, with his work rate, pressing and ability to occupy defenders potentially better suited to the contest.

Nuno will hope that change brings greater balance to an attack that has too often lacked a cutting edge.

There is plenty at stake beyond simply responding to last weekend’s disappointment.

West Ham currently sit third on 22 points, behind Middlesbrough on 25 and Swansea on 23. West Brom are fifth, just one point behind the Hammers.

How West Ham could return to Championship summit

Victory would therefore be particularly valuable, especially with Middlesbrough hosting Charlton and Swansea entertaining Blackburn.

West Ham could return to the top of the Championship if they beat West Brom, Middlesbrough lose and Swansea fail to win.

Nuno’s predicted changes suggest he is ready to freshen things up, with Austbo’s inclusion potentially the most significant decision.

Predicted West Ham starting XI vs West Brom: Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Golambeckis, Kilman, Morato; Engels, Mukasa, Kante; Austbo, Bowen, Pablo.