Fulham defender Aaron Hughes insists boss Roy Hodgson is entitled to rest his players whenever he feels it is necessary.
The Premier League are expected to talk to Fulham this week following West Ham's complaint that they fielded a weakened team in their 2-0 defeat to Hull last week.
The league have already confirmed that the Hammers made an official protest at Fulham's decision to make six changes to their side against the Tigers.
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan believes Fulham broke league rules by resting key players ahead of last week's Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg, which Fulham won 2-1.
The Cottagers made just one change to the side that beat the Germans when they defeated Wigan 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Jason Scotland had put Wigan in front in the 34th minute with his first Barclays Premier League strike for the club.
But second-half goals from substitute Stefano Okaka and Brede Hangeland kept Wigan dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Defender Hughes backed his manager's decision to rest players.
"He's entitled to do what he wants - at the end of the day he's the manager," said Hughes.
"If he wants to rest a few players and change a few things then that is his call, it is something that you see all the time but people tend to make a big deal out it when a team loses.
"The manager did what he needed to do and we certainly support that. We have not always had the luxury of resting players either.
"This is just what happens when you're involved in Europe and the latter stage of a cup competition. Those clubs that are used to such occurrences will all mix things up, bring players in and rest those that need it, why shouldn't we be able to do the same?"