West Ham United kick off their Europa League campaign by clashing against FSCB on Thursday night as they welcome the visitors to London Stadium. The Hammers will come into the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea, so they will look to bounce back from a disappointing loss in this home encounter.
David Moyes might utilise an unconventional 3-4-1-2 formation as Michael Antonio maintains a strike partnership with Jarrod Bowen up top.
3-5-2 West Ham United Predicted Lineup To Face FSCB
Defence
Alphonse Areola will return to operate in goal for the Hammers hoping to give a strong performance and secure a clean sheet. Moyes might deploy a three-man defence as Kurt Zouma could start at the centre-back position forming a defensive partnership with Thilo Kehrer and Emerson at the heart of West Ham’s defence as they look to collectively stop the opponent’s attack.
Pablo Fornals would feature at the left-wing back position, whereas Vladimir Coufal operates on the opposite flank as both of them will need to remain compact on defence and get forward to create opportunities from the wide areas.
Midfield
Declan Rice and Thomas Soucek will operate in the centre of the park as they look to efficiently distribute the ball to their teammates. Rice will be expected to step up and create more chances for the front line.
Lucas Paqueta will feature in the advanced attacking midfield position to create some clear-cut goal-scoring chances and make some decisive passes to set up the two-man strike team in front of the goal.
Flynn Downes could come on in the latter half to impress in the holding midfield positions.
Attack
Moyes could deploy a two-man strike team again as Michael Antonio continues his striking partnership with Jarod Bowen in the frontline. They will need to fancy their chances of finding the back of the net and be more productive in front of the goal.
Manuel Lanzini will be available for selection on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the latter stages of the game if West Ham require a goal by then.
