West Ham United visit Olympique Lyonnais for the return leg at the Groupama Stadium in France, coming off a draw in London last Thursday in the Europa League quarter-final. The Hammers focus on securing a victory over the French side, coming into the match on the back of a discouraging 2-0 loss to Brentford in the Premier League.
Team News
The Hammers were solid in the early minutes of the quarter-final game during the first leg but suffered a huge blow in the first-half injury time when Aaron Cresswell was controversially sent off with a red card. Both the teams had to settle for a scoreless draw until halftime, after which Bowen broke the deadlock giving West Ham the lead. However, Lyon soon equalised when N’dombele struck from close range.
With Vladimir Coufal back in training after a successful surgery in the groin area, West Ham’s players are fit and healthy with no setbacks apart from Angelo Ogbonna’s ACL injury that puts him out for the rest of the season.
4-2-3-1 West Ham United Line Up To Face Lyon
Defence
Areola starts in goal for the Hammers, with Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson going for a centre-half partnership to form the backline.
Aaron Cresswell missing out in the second leg due to a suspension calls for David Moyes to replace him with Arthur Masuaku in the left-back position. Ryan Fredericks will carry on in the opposite flank, expected to be compact against the French side.
Midfield
Declan Rice is a guaranteed starter, with Tomas Soucek holding defensive midfield positions, shielding the back four and playing a more defensive role.
Said Benrahma will be placed in the attacking midfield position to complete the midfield trio. The Algeria international will be looking to create opportunities for the men upfront.
Attack
Pablo Formals and Jarrod Bowen are to take up the wide positions, the left-wing and right-wing, respectively.
Michail Antonio is expected to lead the attack against Peter Bosz’s men, with the Englishman hoping to make the most of his chances against Lyon.
