West Ham United are hoping to secure their place at the top of Europa League Group H as they take on Rapid Wien on Thursday. The Hammers have performed exceedingly well in the competition so far, registering three wins in four matches. Another win this midweek could help them seal the top spot which would give them the ticket to the Round of 16.
Predicted West Ham Lineup Vs Rapid Wien
Defence
Angelo Ogbonna remains a key defensive absentee for David Moyes. The absence of the former Juventus star has been a blow for the Hammers in recent weeks, but with no other options available, they are expected to continue with the central defensive combination of Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma.
Issa Diop could be utilised, should Moyes look to shuffle his pack. But that remains unlikely, which means Aaron Cresswell can also hope to retain his place in the side.
The left-back should play a vital role in offering balance to the backline, especially with Vladimir Coufal likely to make marauding runs forward, on the opposite end of the park.
Elsewhere, there should be no changes in goal, with Lukasz Fabianski once again getting the nod ahead of Alphonse Areola.
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Midfield
In midfield, Moyes could fancy resting some of his key players including Tomas Soucek. The Czech international may make way for Mark Nobel in the double-pivot, alongside Declan Rice.
It will be interesting to see whether Nobel can offer stability and composure in the middle of the park, whereas his midfield partner Rice will be tasked with the responsibility of screening the backline.
Attack
Moving forward, West Ham have a few interesting options in the final third. Moyes, though, is likely to rest his key players such as Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen.
It will pave the way for Arthur Masuaku and Manuel Lanzini to return to the starting eleven, with the latter likely operating as the number ten. As a result, Masuaku and Said Benrahma may occupy the wide attacking roles, although Andriy Yarmolenko is also an option for coach David Moyes.
Unfortunately, in the number nine role, Michail Antonio will have to continue spearheading the West Ham attack due to the lack of a reliable alternative.
