Daniel Feliciano

Tue 6 June 2023 18:40, UK

West Ham are expected to start with Thilo Kehrer in central defence ahead of Kurt Zouma against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Hammers will face off with the Serie A club in Prague on Wednesday (7 June) as they look to win their first trophy in more than 40 years.

And while West Ham are expected to have a fully-fit squad for the game, Italian journalist Di Marzio is reporting that one first-team regular will miss out on a place in David Moyes’ starting lineup.

“West Ham manager David Moyes is expected to opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation,” he wrote (6 June). 

“Between the posts the usual Areola, with the defensive wall made up of central Zouma and Aguerd, with Kehrer and Cresswell on the lanes.

“The midfield is arranged on two lines, with Rice and Soucek as midfielders, Bowen and Benrahma on their respective flanks and Paquetà as playmaker. Finally, Antonio should be the centre-forward.”

Surprise

If the squad is fully fit and Moyes has a full side to choose from, it would certainly be a big shock to see Zouma left out of the team to play in Prague.

The Frenchman has been one of the first names on the teamsheet since signing for the club two seasons ago, and while he has been carrying a small knock that saw him miss the clash with Leicester on the final day, if he is able then he will certainly play.

Kehrer could still find himself in the starting lineup though as Nayef Aguerd has been inconsistent since joining the club last summer. It could be a case of either or starting, rather than both together.

Zouma is the best central defender at the club and he is a leader on the pitch too, which could be crucial in the big moments of such a big game. He is experienced at the highest level too and will be crucial to West Ham succeeding.

It’s a huge game and we need to go with our strongest team possible, so it will be interesting to see what Moyes believes that is.