West Ham United begin their Europa League campaign against Backa Topola on Thursday night (20:00) at the London Stadium.
It’s been 106 days since West Ham conquered Europe with their Europa Conference League final victory over Fiorentina, while this is the visitors’ first-ever European group-stage fixture.
West Ham United vs Backa Topola Prediction
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Thilo Kehrer, Aaron Cresswell, Said Benrahma and Danny Ings are options for David Moyes, with Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio among those who could be handed a rest with a trip to Liverpool to come at the weekend.
As for the visitors, their lineup could be similar to the one that won 6-3 against Zeleznicar on Saturday. That would see Marko Rakonjac lead the line, supported by the likes of Ifet Dakovac and Sasa Jovanovic on the flanks.
West Ham to win both halves @ 5/6
West Ham have a trip to Anfield to prepare for on Sunday, so I think Moyes will want this game wrapped up as soon as possible.
I’m expecting a fast start from the Hammers, who have started the Premier League in fine fashion, with their only defeat coming at the hands of reigning champions Manchester City.
Backa Topola are currently top of the Serbian SuperLiga, winning six and drawing one of their seven matches, but their Champions League qualifying match against Braga ended in a disastrous 7-1 aggregate defeat, conceding six of those in the opening 45 minutes.
I think the Hammers can blow their opponents away here, with a lightning start.
Jarrod Bowen to score anytime @ 6/5
I’m expecting Bowen to feature here as the 26-year-old is the main man at the London Stadium, and their most consistent source of goals having netted three already this season.
He also seems to love European nights, having scored nine times in 21 appearances in the Europa and Conference Leagues over the last few seasons, including the dramatic winner against Fiorentina in last year’s Conference League final.
I think 6/5 is decent value considering the quality between the two sides.
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