Premier League club West Ham United are preparing to host Bayer Leverkusen at home this midweek in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final round. The first leg ended with a 2-0 scoreline in the favour of the Bundesliga side.
Xabi Alonso’s men have been unbeaten this season so far and hence, it won’t be easy to overturn the situation in the final leg. However, the Hammers will be heading into the game with a much-needed confidence boost. They beat Fulham in their most recent game.
4-2-3-1 West Ham United Predicted Lineup Vs Bayer Leverkusen
Defence
Lukasz Fabianski will undoubtedly start at the goal for West Ham United. He made some crucial saves in the first leg to restrict the scoreline to 2-0. Multiple injuries in the squad will force boss David Moyes to move away from the regular formation and field a backline of three.
While Kurt Zouma and Aaron Cresswell are expected to start, Konstantinos Mavropanos is a major doubt due to fitness concerns. In his absence, Angelo Ogbonna could be one getting the opportunity on the big night.
Midfield
Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez are likely to form the holding midfield duo in the lineup. While Vladimir Coufal and Ben Johnson operate on the wings, James Ward-Prowse will once again be deployed in the middle. He can contribute to both aspects of the game.
Lucas Paqueta and Emerson Palmieri picked up a yellow card in the first leg and will remain suspended for the Thursday clash.
Attack
Jarrod Bowen continues to be a big miss in the attacking line due to a back issue. Hence, Mohammed Kudus and Michail Antonio are expected to lead the offensive line. Their contributions will be vital given the Hammers are trailing 2 goals.
Kalvin Phillips (thigh), and Alphonse Areola (groin) are the other two absentees for the English side.