Backa Topola vs West Ham Prediction: Get set for a tale of two halves

West Ham are seeking to stay top of Europa League Group A and end TSC's European ambitions in the process (17:45) 

West Ham take a three-game winning streak to Serbia where they will be hoping to do the double over Group A rivals TSC Backa Topola. 

The Serbian underdogs might not have won a game in the campaign, but they can still gain entry into the Conference League knockout stages and will be buzzing after a remarkable 4-0 win at the weekend. 

Match Odds 

Backa Topola are a big price of 10/1 to reverse the form on West Ham, with the visitors massively favoured to take the points at odds on 2/9 and the draw chalked up at 11/2.  

5/6 is the price for both teams to score, which looks very possible given West Ham’s defensive struggles this season, while over 2.5 goals also appeals at the same odds. 

Danny Ings heads the first goalscorer market at 4/1 but Mohammed Kudus, who netted twice against TSC in the reverse fixture, is a more appealing option at 6/1.

Team news 

TSC have no new injury concerns, with head coach Zarko Lazetic surely tempted to start the same eleven who produced a stunning 4-0 win at Serbian Super League leaders Partizan Belgrade at the weekend. 

Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen are likely to remain out while there are slight concerns over a back problem with Mohammed Kudus. Kostas Mavropanos and Divin Mabuma are among fringe players pushing for a start. 

Half-time draw @ 2/1 

West Ham are a short price to complete the double over TSC Backa Topola and maintain their grip on top spot in Group A, but it may not be the formality the market suggests. 

The Hammers were even skinnier at home back in September yet were made to work hard by the hosts, who took a 48th minute lead before West Ham eventually ground them down to win 3-1. 

David Moyes' side are on a three-game winning streak but looked desperately short of imagination for large parts of the game at Burnley on Saturday, eventually getting up 2-1 courtesy of two late goals. 

And the Scot has to have an eye on Sunday's early kick-off against Crystal Palace which means a fair bit of rotation is expected on Thursday and the Hammers may become disjointed. 

West Ham would love to top the group to avoid the play-off round but they will be in no rush against an opponent buzzing after Saturday's thrilling 4-0 win at Partizan and may have to wait until the second half before taking the lead. 

Highest scoring half – Second Half @ EVS

The evidence surrounding TSC is that most of the action in their matches happens after half-time. In their last 17 league and European games they have conceded a total of 25 goals but just four of those have come in the first half. 

West Ham have seen a similar trend this season as they have conceded 23 goals in the league this season, with 18 coming after the interval. 

The second half has been the highest scoring in six of the seven Group A matches involving these sides this season, and looks set to be again. 

Under 9.5 corners @ 5/6 

West Ham have racked up 28 corners in their four matches so far, at an average of seven a game. 

In contrast, TSC have mustered just nine in the group stage so far at 2.2 per game. 

Statistically alone that suggests the sides will combine for under ten corners at the TSC Arena, though it could be a lot less in reality. 

Zarko Lazetic's hosts won't be taking too many risks as they strive to stay in the game and the competition while West Ham, minus the probing and pace of Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, may be blunter than usual going forward.