West Ham will be keen to continue the strong start to their Europa League campaign when they travel to Greece to play Olympiacos on Thursday evening.
The Hammers have beaten Backa Topola and SC Freiburg in their opening two Europa League group-stage fixtures, picking up six points in the process. They are on top of Group A and a win in the upcoming game should see them get closer to the knockout rounds.
However, David Moyes’ side returned from the international break last weekend with a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park. As a result, Moyes will be expecting an improved performance from his boys against Olympiacos, who are third in Group A with a point from two games.
West Ham Team News
Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell remain the only absentees for West Ham, with the duo missing in recent matches due to a groin and a hamstring problem, respectively. While neither was involved in the defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, both have returned to training and could be a part of the Hammers’ travelling squad to Piraeus.
Predicted West Ham lineup vs Olympiacos (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski has become West Ham’s cup goalkeeper this term, starting their opening two Europa League fixtures. The veteran Pole is expected to make his third straight appearance in the competition in midweek.
Defence
Ahead of Fabianski, Nayef Aguerd should partner Konstantinos Mavropanos in central defence. Vladimir Coufal and Thilo Kehrer are best placed to start at right-back and left-back, respectively, with Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell being only fit for roles on the bench.
The West Ham back four have to defend extremely well to keep a strong Olympiacos side at bay.
Midfield
Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse will hold the fort in midfield for the visitors. With Alvarez sitting at the base and breaking up the opposition’s attacks, Ward-Prowse will look to pull the strings and create openings for his teammates in the final third.
West Ham will rely on Lucas Paqueta’s vision, movement and creativity to unlock the Olympiacos backline. He will be a key element during West Ham’s transitional play.
Attack
Moyes may give Jarrod Bowen the nod ahead of Michail Antonio to lead the West Ham attack. West Ham’s best player so far this season, Bowen will be keen to get himself on the scoresheet. Mohammed Kudus will look to provide the thrust and flair from the right flank, whereas Pablo Fornals hopes to impress from the opposite wing.
Said Benrahma, Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek could get opportunities to make an impression in the second half.
