West Ham United will continue their preparations for the 2026-27 Championship season with a pre-season friendly against League One side Stevenage on Wednesday night. The Hammers, who finished 18th in the Premier League last season with 39 points (10W-9D-19L), drew 1-1 with National League team Southend United in their first friendly of the summer.
What happened in West Ham's last match?
West Ham played out a 1-1 draw with Southend United at Roots Hall on Saturday. The Hammers took a strong squad but were unable to secure a victory against the National League side, who impressed for much of the match. Nuno Espírito Santo's team now turn their attention to Stevenage before facing Rangers and Magdeburg in their remaining pre-season fixtures.
Stevenage's pre-season form
Stevenage, who finished sixth in League One last season but lost in the playoffs, began their pre-season with a 0-0 draw against Andorra. The Boro have made three signings this summer, including Josh Magennis from Exeter City, and will be looking to build on their strong 2025-26 campaign, where they scored 46 goals and conceded 65 (-19 goal difference).
West Ham's transfer business
West Ham have been active in the transfer market, signing Keiber Lamadrid permanently from Venezuelan football. However, they have also lost key players, including Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham Hotspur in an £85m deal. The Hammers will be without several players for this match, including Edson Álvarez, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Crysencio Summerville, who are still involved in the 2026 World Cup.
Predicted lineups
Stevenage could hand a debut to new signing Josh Magennis, while West Ham are expected to field a strong starting XI, including captain Jarrod Bowen. The Hammers will then face Portsmouth in the EFL Cup on August 8 before their Championship opener away to Burnley on August 16.
