Golambeckis, Veltman and Mukasa start for West Ham at Watford
West Ham United have confirmed Airidas Golambeckis, Joël Veltman and Divine Mukasa in their starting XI for Saturday's Watford West Ham clash at Vicarage Road. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo makes three changes from the side that drew with Charlton Athletic, handing Veltman his first Championship start for the club.
The EFL Championship fixture kicks off at 3pm BST on Matchday 3. West Ham sit 16th after a 2-1 home defeat to Charlton and are still searching for their first league win. Watford arrive seventh with four points from a win over Southampton and a draw at Wrexham.
Key Takeaways
- Golambeckis, Veltman and Mukasa all start as West Ham travel to Vicarage Road on 29 August 2026.
- Veltman replaces the injured Dinos Mavropanos; Golambeckis partners Maximilian Kilman at centre-back.
- Mukasa keeps his attacking midfield role behind Taty Castellanos, with Jarrod Bowen captaining the side.
- Watford are unbeaten in the Championship; West Ham need momentum after a slow start under Nuno.
- It is the first second-tier meeting between the clubs since the 2011-12 season.
Who is in West Ham's starting XI at Watford?
West Ham United confirmed their lineup through the club's official channels ahead of kick-off. Hermansen starts in goal behind a back four of Veltman, Golambeckis, Kilman and Kyle Walker-Peters, who switches to left-back.
In midfield, Arne Engels and Mohamadou Kanté will continue developing their partnership. Mukasa operates in the number-ten role, supporting Castellanos in attack alongside captain Bowen and Manor Solomon.
The full XI reads: Hermansen; Veltman, Golambeckis, Kilman, Walker-Peters; Kanté, Engels; Mukasa; Bowen, Solomon; Taty. Substitutes include Herrick, Scarles, Mayers, Casey, Orford, Lamadrid, Ajala, Pablo and Piroe. Referee Bobby Madley takes charge.
Why did Nuno pick Golambeckis, Veltman and Mukasa?
Golambeckis is one of three changes from the team that started the home draw with Charlton last weekend. The 18-year-old defender replaces the injured Mavropanos and partners Kilman at the heart of defence.
Veltman impressed alongside Golambeckis during West Ham's midweek victory at Southampton in the Carabao Cup. The experienced Dutchman now makes his first Championship start for the club at right-back.
Mukasa retains his place in attacking midfield after earning Nuno's trust. He will support Castellanos, flanked by Bowen and Solomon. Mukasa previously faced Watford in a goalless Championship draw while on loan at Leicester City in March.
What is at stake in this Watford West Ham clash?
For West Ham, the trip to Hertfordshire is about turning pressure into points. Nuno acknowledged the Hammers have not yet seen the league results they want, despite competing well in their opening fixtures.
Watford will lean on home support after starting the season undefeated. The Hornets have scored in both league matches and beat Southampton before holding Wrexham. They also face a daunting head-to-head record: West Ham have won the last five meetings and hold a 29-12 advantage across 48 games.
Yet this Watford West Ham fixture carries extra weight because it is the first Championship meeting between the sides since 2011-12. Both clubs are treating it as a benchmark test early in the campaign. Follow more celebrity breaking news for live updates across the day.
How can fans watch Watford vs West Ham?
Supporters in the United States can stream the match on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo. VAVEL also provides live score updates and match coverage from Vicarage Road, which has been Watford's home since 1922 and holds 21,577 fans.
For confirmed team news and official club statements, the West Ham United website remains the authoritative source on the visitors' lineup.