West Ham United open their 2026‑27 preparations with a pre‑season friendly against Southend United at Roots Hall on Saturday, a match that marks the Hammers' first step back toward the Championship after finishing 18th in the Premier League with 39 points. The game offers a glimpse of how the squad will adapt after relegation and which new faces might feature.
What does the fixture mean for West Ham United?
The friendly is more than a warm‑up; it signals the Hammers' intent to challenge for promotion. After ending last season 18th, two points behind Tottenham Hotspur, the club aims to be among the Championship favourites. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo, confirmed to stay on, will use the match to assess fitness and integrate the lone summer signing, Keiber Lamadrid, who joined permanently from Deportivo La Guaira.
Who will feature for the Hammers?
Captain Jarrod Bowen is expected to start, despite missing England's World Cup squad. Bowen's involvement will be closely watched amid speculation about his future. Midfielder Niclas Fullkrug, who netted in a recent behind‑closed‑doors win over Colchester United, could also see minutes. The squad will likely rotate, giving younger players a chance to impress before the competitive season begins.
How does Southend United fit into the picture?
Southend United, now led by former England international Kieron Dyer, are pushing for a return to the Football League. The club has already added nine new signings, including loan striker Rayan Oyebade from West Ham. Southend's recent 2‑1 loss to Cambridge United in a closed‑door friendly suggests they are still fine‑tuning their lineup, but the match against the Hammers offers a valuable test against higher‑level opposition.
What lies ahead after the friendly?
West Ham will line up additional friendlies against Stevenage, Rangers and Magdeburg before meeting Portsmouth in the EFL Cup on August 8. The Cup tie comes eight days before their Championship opener at Burnley. Meanwhile, Southend will continue their pre‑season schedule with fixtures against Northampton Town, Leyton Orient and Aveley, before kicking off their National League campaign against Altrincham on August 8.
The outcome of this Saturday match will set the tone for West Ham United's push to bounce back to the Premier League, while offering Southend United a benchmark as they chase promotion back to the Football League.
