West Ham predicted XI v Genk
West Ham are one game away from securing a place in the knock-out stages of the Europa League ahead of Thursday’s clash with Genk.
The Irons make the trip to Belgium for the reverse fixture after beating their Group H rivals 3-0 on October 21.
Centre-backs Craig Dawson and Issa Diop grabbed the first two goals of the game at the London Stadium before Jarrod Bowen put the seal on the victory.
West Ham are six points clear of everyone in the group after three consecutive victories against Dinamo Zagreb, Rapid Vienna and Genk, all of whom have three points to their name.
Another win for David Moyes’ side would confirm safe passage into the knockout stages and, in all likelihood, top spot in the group.
With the chance to confirm qualification this week, Moyes is unlikely to change his entire starting XI, but he is still likely to make a host of changes ahead of a huge Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
Alphonse Areola is a sure-fire bet to start in goal as he has played their last four cup games, while centre-backs Dawson and Diop are certain to resume European duties after their goalscoring heroics last time out.
Moyes has some big decisions at full-back, however, with Vladimir Coufal pushing for a first start since October 3 after his recent injury.
There is an argument to suggest that the Czech star should be held in reserve for the visit of Liverpool this weekend, but after his recent performances and goal against Aston Villa on Sunday, Ben Johnson must surely keep his spot at right-back against the Reds, and thus Coufal starts on Thursday.
At left-back, meanwhile, Cresswell has started the last eight games, with the 31-year-old’s last rest coming on September 22.
However, Moyes may persevere with him against Genk with an international break coming up after Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool.
Declan Rice should start once more in midfield though Moyes will naturally look to rest him as soon as possible, with Alex Kral likely to be pushing for minutes after his recent absence.
Mark Noble was on the bench at Villa Park, though, and should come in for Tomas Soucek in Belgium.
The West Ham captain has featured just three times in their last eight games, making just two starts.
Manuel Lanzini, Nikola Vlasic and Andriy Yarmolenko are obvious choices to replace Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio in attack with only Jarrod Bowen keeping his place, but likely to also be substituted in the second half, like Rice and Cresswell.
Here’s how we expect West Ham to line up against Genk on Thursday, with eight changes on the horizon…
In other West Ham news, the Irons want to sign this ‘Brilliant’ £25.3m South-American centre-mid who won a big 2021 cup.
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