West Ham backed to see off Portsmouth at home

West Ham finished in the Premier League's bottom three last season and will compete in the Championship this term. Head coach Nuno and captain Jarrod Bowen remain at the helm as the club target an immediate return to the top flight. However, two key players, midfielder Mateus Fernandes and winger Crysencio Summerville, have been sold for substantial fees, while the likes of James Ward-Prowse have returned to their parent clubs after loan spells. So far, the only new arrival is young South American winger Giba Linmadi.

Portsmouth finished in the lower half of the Championship last season, with long-serving head coach John Mousinho continuing in charge. The club have brought in several new players, including striker Miloš Luković from Spain's second tier and midfielder Løkø Schøn from Norway's top flight. First-choice midfielder Andre Dozzell has moved to Major League Soccer, while striker Colby Bishop and midfielder Adrian Segecic remain at the club.

Neither team has any reported injuries or suspensions.

West Ham have dropped into the Championship this season and, despite losing two key players, their remaining squad still possesses considerable quality for this level. Their pre-season performances were also encouraging. With their first competitive match coming at home in the cup, they are expected to take the game seriously and play on the front foot, making them the preferred side.

Portsmouth appear to have the quality of a lower-half Championship team and have undergone significant squad changes this summer. They also conceded frequently in pre-season, so they are difficult to back away against strong opposition. A high-scoring contest is also worth considering.

The teams have not met in recent years.