West Ham United will welcome Rapid Wien at the London Stadium on Thursday night as they look to secure a win at home in the UEFA Europa League. The Hammers managed to earn a hard-fought 2-1 win over Leeds United which will keep them in high spirits ahead of this European clash at the English capital.
David Moyes will probably go with a 4-2-3-1 formation and could be inclined to make a handful of changes to his first-team for this game. Ben Johnson, Issa Diop and Craig Dawson could all start as part of West Ham’s backline later this week as Moyes looks to freshen up his squad for this Europa League clash.
4-2-3-1 West Ham United Predicted Lineup To Face Rapid Wien
Defence
Alphonse Areola will probably get the nod to operate in between the sticks for the Hammers as he looks to secure a clean sheet in front of the home supporters. Craig Dawson will function along with Issa Diop in central defence as they try to keep things solid defensively during the game.
Ben Johnson could get a rare chance to catch the eye as the right-back while Aaron Cresswell fills in on the other side at left-back. Moyes will give both of them the freedom to get forward and support their teammates in the final third.
Angelo Ogbonna could be rested on the bench as he offers cover for the centre-back positions.
Midfield
Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek will act as the holding midfielders as they focus on winning the battle at the centre of the park and create a few inviting opportunities for the front players going forward. The talented trio of Arthur Masuaku, Manuel Lanzini and Nikola Vlašić will function just ahead of them as part of Moyes’ attack.
Andriy Yarmolenko and Jarrod Bowen are expected to be named on Moyes’ bench as they await their chance to make an impact in the latter stages if required.
Attack
Michail Antonio will lead the charge for the East London giants up top. The English striker is enjoying the best form of his career this season, so he will be hungry to find the back of the net when he laces up to face off against the Rapid Wien defenders in midweek.