Nayef Aguerd starts – West Ham United confirmed starting XI v Gent
David Moyes has named his West Ham United starting line-up to face Gent in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night (20 April).
The Hammers host the Belgian side at the London Stadium after a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
As shared by the club’s official Twitter account, Moyes has made three changes from the side who drew 2-2 against Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend.
Alphonse Areola starts in goal for Lukasz Fabianski while Nayef Aguerd is deemed fit enough to start in the heart of defence after an injury layoff.
Italian defender Emerson also starts on the left-side of defence in place of Aaron Cresswell.
Massive
Considering West Ham last won a trophy in 1980, this second-leg clash against Gent takes on new importance.
Moyes is in a tough spot right now, with fans criticising him for a number of recent performances in the Premier League – Arsenal excluded – but also trying to secure a historic victory in the Europa Conference League.
Finding the balancing point with his starting line-up and use of substitutes is going to be key in not just progressing through to the semi-finals but also ensuring his players are fully fit and firing for the crucial clash against Bournemouth on Sunday (23 April).
For West Ham to edge out Gent and continue their blemish-free record in the European competition, they have to continue where they left off against Arsenal.
The Hammers were a side possessed in front of their home fans at the weekend, taking the game to the Gunners for the majority of the game with an aggressive pressing game that has rarely been seen this season.
Although Moyes will be wary of falling behind in this knock-out match, he has to take the front foot and urge his team to play with the same creativity and aggression as against Arsenal.
West Ham United have been waiting 43 years for the taste of silverware, and hopefully, the dream can continue with a win tonight.