Danny Ings to start despite five changes – West Ham United predicted XI v Backa Topola
David Moyes could be set to hand Danny Ings another chance to impress when West Ham face Backa Topola in the Europa League on Thursday (30 November).
The 31-year-old has endured a miserable time since arriving at the London Stadium from Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
The English forward led the line in the 2-1 victory over Burnley on Saturday (25 November) in the absence of Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, but he was replaced on 62 minutes by 19-year-old Divin Mubama, who impressed off the bench as he helped inspire a late comeback at Turf Moor.
Moyes has continued to give Ings chances despite him failing to register a single goal so far this season to add to the three he notched during the last campaign.
The Hammers boss is expected to name a strong side against the Serbian club as he looks to secure their place in the knockout rounds of the competition, with five changes predicted from the team that saw off the Clarets.
That means Lukasz Fabianski will return in goal after he has been relegated down to the position of cup keeper this season following the emergence of Alphonse Areola as the number-one.
Thilo Kehrer will replace Vladimir Coufal at right-back after starting in three of the four Europa League matches and he will be looking to lay down a claim as to why he should be more involved in the side, having played just 18 minutes in the Premier League.
Konstantinos Mavropanos, who has played every single minute in Europe this season, will replace captain Kurt Zouma to join Nayef Aguerd in the heart of the defence.
After losing his place in the side to Emerson this year, Aaron Cresswell could be in line for just his third start of the season as Moyes could be keen to save the Italian for some big matches that lie ahead.
Edson Alvarez will be the freshest of the midfielders after coming off for Said Benrahma on 63 minutes against Burnley, meaning he is expected to start alongside the energetic James Ward-Prowse.
Lucas Paqueta will shift into central attacking midfield as he will look to provide creativity going forward, while also dropping in when required to do his job for the Irons defensively.
Mohammed Kudus will continue on the right-hand side, with Benrahma handed a start on the left of the attack as Tomas Soucek is provided another breather in the competition.
With Bowen and Antonio once again ruled out [Claret and Hugh], Ings will be desperate to take his opportunity to spearhead the Hammers forward line as he is now entering into last-chance saloon territory at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, the club are in the hunt to sign an “outstanding” Euro star.