West Ham boss David Moyes looks set to ring the changes for the crunch Europa League last 16 decider with Freiburg.
West Ham welcome Freiburg to the London Stadium on Thursday evening.
And the Hammers have it all to do in order to make the quarter-finals.
West Ham must overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit in a do-or-die game to make the Europa League last eight.
West Ham already effectively know four of seven teams they could face.
There are some mouthwatering potential last eight ties in prospect. But David Moyes’ side must get there first of course.
Crunch time for Hammers
West Ham must win by two goals to avoid penalties. And facing a German team with a lead to defend will not be easy.
The big worry ahead of the game surrounds left-back Emerson Palmieri.
The key Hammers star was injured in the first leg. But the club have been doing everything possible to get him ready for the second leg.
His connection with Lucas Paqueta is so crucial to this West Ham side.
So the manager will be prepared to start Emerson even if he is not 100 per cent fit.
West Ham boosted by Emerson return?
I predict Moyes makes four West Ham changes for the crunch decider with Freiburg after a boost.
I believe Emerson, who has called on fans to join him for the game, will be passed fit to start.
And his return will be one of four changes made by Moyes from the side which started last time out against Burnley.
Moyes will be true to his goalkeeping rotation policy by bringing in Lukasz Fabianski for number one Alphonse Areola.
Four changes for Freiburg
Emerson comes back in for Aaron Cresswell at left-back.
Captain Kurt Zouma – rested against Burnley – will return in place of Nayef Aguerd.
And Edson Alvarez will replace Kalvin Phillips in central midfield in change number four.
Should Emerson pull out in the warm-up expect Cresswell keep his place or possibly even Aguerd fill in ahead of Ben Johnson.
Predicted West Ham starting XI vs Freiburg in the Europa League last 16 second leg:
Fabianski, Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson, Alvarez, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen.
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