West Ham United switch their attention to Europe on Thursday evening when they make the trip to Belgium to face Anderlecht in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
The Hammers have enjoyed a flawless start to the Europa Conference League and currently sit at the top of Group B with two wins out of two. They opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over FCSB before enjoying a 3-2 comeback success over Silkeborg in their second.
With the Premier League still the priority as they try to move away from the dreaded relegation zone, David Moyes and co. will want to book their places in the knockout rounds as quickly as possible as group winners.
Jarrod Bowen and Maxwel Cornet may miss the trip to Anderlecht due to injury. Cornet was forced off with a calf problem in the first half against Wolves on Saturday, while Bowen dislocated his finger after scoring his first Premier League goal of the campaign.
Other than the attacking duo, David Moyes will have a fully fit squad to pick his side.
Goalkeeper
David Moyes will rotate his squad heavily against Anderlecht, with goalkeeper Alphonse Areola being recalled between the sticks.
Defence
The West Ham boss could decide to rest Craig Dawson in this game. This might see Angelo Ogbonna start, partnering Kurt Zouma at the heart of the defence in the West Ham lineup.
Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri should replace Thilo Kehrer and Aaron Cresswell at right-back and left-back, respectively in the West Ham lineup. The full-back duo will be tasked with providing energy and width to the West Ham attacks.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, there is no looking past the partnership of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek. With their physicality and power, Rice and Soucek will aim to dominate the midfield duels against Anderlecht and provide service for their team’s creative players in the final third.
Manuel Lanzini is likely to take up the advanced role in midfield in the West Ham lineup, adding creativity and fluidity while helping Rice and Soucek during transitions.
Attack
With Jarrod Bowen and Maxwel Cornet expected to miss out, Moyes is likely to go with Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma in wide areas to support Michail Antonio up front.
Fornals and Benrahma’s aim will be to influence West Ham’s attacking play by finding pockets of spaces behind the Anderlecht defence. If the duo can constantly get behind the defence and find Antonio in the box, Anderlecht could be in for a long evening.
Gianluca Scamacca will be a top offensive option to bring on in the second half if needed.
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