Lukasz Fabianski axed, Alphonse Areola to start – West Ham United predicted XI v AZ Alkmaar
West Ham manager David Moyes is expected to make just one change to his starting XI for the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg clash with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday (11 May).
The manager’s only definite absentees are the injured Gianluca Scamacca and Vladimir Coufal, although Kurt Zouma could still be unavailable having only just returned back to training following an ankle injury.
The Hammers host the Dutch outfit at the London Stadium after essentially securing their Premier League safety following the 1-0 win against Manchester United on Sunday (7 May).
Moyes will not want to change too much at all from that impressive victory, but the boss is expected to swap out Lukasz Fabianski for Alphonse Areola against AZ Alkmaar, with the latter operating as the club’s European goalkeeper this season.
The France international has impressed in this fine European run, but can expect a difficult challenge against the Dutch side at the London Stadium.
Thilo Kehrer is expected to continue at right-back in place of the injured Vladimir Coufal, with Aaron Cresswell also set to continue at left-back.
Nayef Aguerd will remain at centre-back amid a strong debut campaign in England, with Angelo Ogbonna expected to continue alongside him given the issue for Zouma, who may be fit enough to make the bench.
Ahead of the defence, the reliable duo of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek are certain to operate together in midfield once more. Their energy, passing and tackling will be key against a talented away side.
Continuing at right wing will be the hugely talented Jarrod Bowen, with Lucas Paqueta operating next to him in attacking midfield.
And completing the exciting West Ham attacking trio should be Said Benrahma, the hero of the afternoon against the Red Devils thanks to his long-range effort that squeezed past David de Gea and into the back of the net.
Given his recent form, along with the long-term injury to Scamacca and the lack of goals from January signing Danny Ings, Michail Antonio is very much the main man going forward, with the striker expected to lead the line once more at the London Stadium.