Conor Coventry to start as Nayef Aguerd to make debut – West Ham predicted XI v Silkeborg
David Moyes is set to make a host of changes to the West Ham side for their Europa Conference League clash against Danish side Silkeborg.
The Hammers played in the Premier League on Monday night and claimed a 2-0 win over Bournemouth thanks to some controversial VAR decisions that went in their favour.
And with Manchester United coming up on Sunday, and just one point needed to secure top spot in this game, Moyes is likely to use it as a chance to rest key players and give others some minutes.
Alphonse Areola remains the cup goalkeeper domestically and in Europe and thus will almost certainly get the nod here ahead of Lukasz Fabianski between the stick.
In defence Vladimir Coufal has found himself behind Ben Johnson in recent weeks in the right-back role, but the Czech defender could return here after his brief substitute appearance on Monday.
Craig Dawson is still unavailable following his dead leg injury and Angelo Ogbonna is out with hamstring trouble, but Moyes has confirmed that summer signing Nayef Aguerd is under consideration to play and could make his official debut alongside Thilo Kehrer.
Aaron Cresswell is likely to be rested at left-back too, meaning Emerson Palmieri has another chance to stake his claim from the start in Europe.
In midfield Flynn Downes is likely to continue in midfield after starting the last two Premier League games, but both Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek will be rested ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
That should provide a fantastic opportunity for academy graduate Conor Coventry to start once again, having impressed in this tournament earlier in the season.
Maxwel Cornet has suffered a setback in training and Lucas Paqueta is still unavailable for this game, so Moyes’ attacking options are a little bit light.
Said Benrahma is likely to continue in his role on the left wing, while Pablo Fornals should come back into the side too after being axed for the Bournemouth clash. Manuel Lanzini should also return to the fold, with Jarrod Bowen rested.
That will allow Michail Antonio to take his place leading the line in the attack, looking to add to his goal tally for the season and potentially earn a spot in the side against Manchester United at the weekend.
Predicted West Ham XI v Silkeborg: Areola; Coufal, Kehrer, Aguerd, Emerson; Coventry, Downes; Fornals, Lanzini, Benrahma; Antonio