West Ham United kick off their Europa League campaign with a home fixture against Backa Topola at the London Stadium on Thursday night.
The Hammers, who recently lifted the Europa Conference League, are eager to make their mark in Europe once again.
On the other hand, Backa Topola is set to participate in their maiden group-stage European game.
Match Preview
After their triumph over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final in Prague, West Ham United have a lot to look forward to.
Not only have they attracted new players, but manager David Moyes has also strengthened the squad, making them strong contenders for the competition.
Their impressive form in the domestic league, collecting 10 points from a possible 15, showcases their capability to succeed in the Europa League.
Although they lost to Manchester City after leading at halftime, this setback has only fueled their determination to excel.
Moyes and his squad were undefeated throughout their entire European campaign in 2022-23, even when squad rotation was implemented.
With midfield dynamo James Ward-Prowse and attacking sensation Mohammed Kudus performing exceptionally well, Backa Topola knows they’re in for a tough challenge.
Backa Topola faced disappointment in the Champions League qualifying round, losing to Braga 7-1 on aggregate.
However, they are aware of their strengths and have shifted their focus to the second-tier Europa League.
Despite being considered minnows in this prestigious tournament, their current position above both Partizan Belgrade and Red Star Belgrade in the domestic league proves that they can pose a threat.
West Ham United Form (all competitions):
- D
- W
- W
- W
- L
Backa Topola Form (all competitions):
- W
- L
- W
- W
- W
- W
Team News
With an important match against Liverpool on the horizon, Moyes is expected to make several changes to his West Ham lineup.
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski will likely start, alongside new signings Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mohammed Kudus.
Thilo Kehrer, Aaron Cresswell, Said Benrahma, and Danny Ings are also viable options for Moyes, while Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio could be given a well-deserved rest.
Backa Topola’s starting lineup should resemble the one from their 6-3 victory over Zeleznicar, with changes made during the match resulting in two crucial goals.
However, it is unlikely that the substitutes who scored, Milos Vulic and Milos Pantovic, will be included in the starting eleven.
West Ham United Possible Starting Lineup:
Fabianski;
Kehrer, Zouma, Mavropanos, Cresswell;
Soucek, Alvarez; Bowen, Kudus, Benrahma;
Ings
Backa Topola Possible Starting Lineup:
Ilic;
Antonic, Cvetinovic, Stojic;
Vlalukin, Radin, Djakovic, Petrovic;
Stanic;
Jovanovic, Rakonjac
Prediction: West Ham United 4-0 Backa Topola
Although West Ham will not underestimate their opponents, they are expected to dominate the match. Even with Moyes possibly making changes to the lineup, the Hammers possess the quality and depth needed to secure a convincing victory on Thursday night.