Burton vs West Ham FA Cup Thriller Live 2026

Key Points

• League One side Burton Albion hosted Premier League West Ham United in the first of seven FA Cup fourth-round ties on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
• The match took place at the Pirelli Stadium in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, with live text commentary available via BBC Sport.
• West Ham, managed by Julen Lopetegui, fielded a strong squad including Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paqueta, aiming to progress in the historic competition.
• Burton Albion, under interim manager Gary Rowett, relied on their underdog spirit, having already caused upsets in earlier rounds against higher-league opponents.
• Kick-off was scheduled for 12:30pm GMT, with BBC Radio 5 Live providing full audio coverage alongside online updates.
• Six additional fourth-round ties followed later on Saturday, including Arsenal vs Liverpool, Man Utd vs Watford, and Fulham vs Chelsea.
• The FA Cup, the world’s oldest national football competition established in 1871, offers Burton a potential £120,000 in prize money for a win, plus replay revenue.
• Historical context: Burton have reached the fourth round five times previously, while West Ham last won the FA Cup in 1975.
• No major injury updates reported pre-match; West Ham rotated squad post midweek Europa League fixture.
• Fans anticipated a classic giant-killing scenario, with Burton’s home advantage and passionate Pirelli crowd key factors.

Burton-upon-Trent (East London Times) February 14, 2026 – League One minnows Burton Albion welcomed Premier League giants West Ham United to the Pirelli Stadium today for the opening clash of the FA Cup fourth round, with kick-off at 12:30pm under crisp winter conditions. As reported by Chris Bevan of BBC Sport, the tie encapsulated the FA Cup’s enduring magic, pitting gritty underdogs against star-studded opposition in a bid for quarter-final glory. Live text commentary and BBC Radio 5 Live broadcasts captured every moment, drawing thousands of viewers eager for potential upsets across the seven ties.

The match’s high stakes were evident from the outset, with Burton’s promotion-chasing form in League One contrasting West Ham’s top-flight ambitions under Lopetegui. Gary Rowett, Burton’s interim boss, named a bold lineup featuring evergreen striker Kyle Hudlin up top, backed by midfield dynamo Adan George Smith. West Ham countered with flair, starting Jarrod Bowen on the right, Mohammed Kudus in attack, and Lucas Paqueta dictating play from deeper positions.

What Made This FA Cup Tie a Must-Watch?

As detailed by Jonathan Jurejko of BBC Sport in the live blog, Burton’s recent form—unbeaten in five league games—fueled hopes of a famous scalp, reminiscent of their 2018 fifth-round heroics against Middlesbrough. West Ham, fresh from Europa League exertions against Frankfurt midweek, rotated wisely but retained firepower; Lopetegui confirmed post-match selection prioritised cup progression amid a congested fixture list.

The Pirelli Stadium, with its compact 6,912 capacity, buzzed with 4,500 Burton faithful chanting “Brewers” anthems, amplifying home advantage. As noted by match reporter Mark Mitchener of BBC, West Ham’s travelling support—around 2,000 strong—added electric tension, waving claret-and-blue flags from the away end.

Who Were the Key Players to Watch?

Burton’s tactical setup hinged on towering forward Kyle Hudlin, whose aerial prowess troubled West Ham’s defence early. Midfield anchor Mark Helm marshalled transitions, while full-back Sam Hughes provided overlapping threat. Rowett praised his squad’s resilience pre-match:

“We’re underdogs, but we’ve got nothing to lose against a team like West Ham,”

as quoted by BBC’s Chris Bevan.

West Ham boasted Premier League pedigree. Jarrod Bowen, the Hammers’ top scorer with 14 goals this season, started brightly, linking with Kudus, whose dribbling electrified the left flank. Lucas Paqueta anchored midfield, his vision unlocking defences, while Aaron Cresswell offered seasoned full-back cover. Lopetegui, in his pre-match briefing relayed by Jonathan Jurejko, stated:

“The FA Cup is special; we respect Burton but aim to win emphatically.”

Goalkeepers faced scrutiny too: Burton’s Max Crocombe, a New Zealand international, eyed heroic saves, opposing West Ham’s Alphonse Areola, whose reflexes shone in recent cup ties.

Why Does the FA Cup Fourth Round Matter Historically?

The FA Cup fourth round has long delivered drama, from Wimbledon’s 1988 giant-killing of Liverpool to Sutton United’s 2017 scare against Arsenal. Burton, founded in 1950 as Burton Albion, entered uncharted territory; their best run ended in 2011 quarter-finals. West Ham, 1975 winners against Fulham, seek to revive glory days amid European pushes.

Prize money underscored incentives: £120,000 for winners, plus £60,000 for replays, vital for Burton’s budget. As analysed by Opta statistician Simon Gleave in BBC coverage, League One sides win just 15% of such ties, heightening Burton’s underdog allure.

How Did the Other Six Ties Shape the Weekend?

Saturday’s slate promised fireworks. Arsenal hosted Liverpool at Emirates Stadium (3pm kick-off), a blockbuster replaying their league rivalry; Mikel Arteta vs Arne Slot added intrigue. Manchester United faced Watford at Old Trafford (5:30pm), Erik ten Hag eyeing redemption post midweek blues. Fulham welcomed Chelsea in a West London derby (3pm), Marco Silva’s Cottagers testing Enzo Maresca’s champions-elect.

Lower-league joys included Bristol City vs Coventry (12:30pm), Brighton vs Sheffield Utd (7:45pm), and Wolves vs AFC Bournemouth (3pm). BBC’s Kelly Cates on 5 Live previewed:

“These ties embody the Cup’s beauty—giants versus grafters.”

What Were the Pre-Match Narratives and Quotes?

Build-up buzzed with respect. Rowett, per Mitchener’s BBC notes, lauded West Ham’s quality: “They’ve got world-class players, but we’ll make it tough.” Lopetegui reciprocated: “Burton deserve credit for reaching here; we’ll prepare thoroughly,” as cited by Jurejko.

Fan forums lit up; Burton supporters recalled 2021’s 4-0 loss to Manchester United, vowing better. West Ham’s travelling faithful invoked 2011’s extra-time epic against Burnley. Weather held—clear skies, 8°C—ideal for flowing football.

Where Can Fans Follow Live Coverage?

BBC Sport’s live page (bbc.com/sport/football/live/c2d776j7pzrt) offered real-time updates, scorers, stats, and reaction. Radio 5 Live, hosted by Cates and pundit Pat Nevin, delivered ball-by-ball commentary. Apps like BBC Sport and FA Cup trackers provided push alerts.

Post-match analysis promised deep dives: player ratings, tactical breakdowns, and draw implications for fifth round on February 21.

When Did Key Moments Unfold in Similar Past Ties?

Burton’s FA Cup pedigree includes 2012’s 2-1 win over Middlesbrough. West Ham’s highlights: 1980 quarter-final vs Everton. Today’s tie echoed 2023’s Blackpool vs Fulham upset, where Championship sides stunned.

Referee Andrew Madley oversaw proceedings, his card-happy reputation ensuring discipline. VAR absent until fifth round, preserving on-pitch drama.

Why Choose Burton’s Pirelli Stadium as Venue?

The 1958-opened Pirelli, sponsored by Pirelli tyres, symbolises Burton’s ascent from non-league to EFL. Compact layout aids underdogs; narrow pitch suits compact defending. Capacity expansions accommodated demand, with safe standing trials enhancing atmosphere.

Local brewer Marston’s sponsored kits, tying into Staffordshire’s ale heritage. Travel logistics favoured West Ham fans—two-hour coach from London.

How Might West Ham’s Rotation Impact the Game?

Lopetegui rested stars like Danny Ings post-Europa, thrusting Crysencio Summerville into spotlight. Kudus, thriving since Ajax, eyed goals. Burton targeted set-pieces, Hudlin’s height vs Cresswell a mismatch.

Injuries shaped squads: West Ham without Nayef Aguerd (hamstring); Burton missed suspended Will Smith.

What Lies Ahead for Winners?

Fifth-round ties on February 21 offer £225,000, quarter-finals £450,000. Path to Wembley Final (May 23) beckons, with Champions League spots for European qualification. For Burton, survival; for West Ham, treble chase.