David Moyes will make two big West Ham changes for the European semi-final against AZ Alkmaar to combat their pace threat.
West Ham welcome Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to the London Stadium for the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg on tonight.
The Hammers unofficially secured Premier League survival with a 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday night.
And that means full focus and attention can be given to the huge European semi-final against the Dutch outfit over the next week.
David Moyes and his rejuvenated West Ham side will travel to Holland for the second leg next Thursday.
AZ will have to make do without five players for the clash in London according to the official website.
Predicted: David Moyes makes two big West Ham changes for European semi-final against AZ Alkmaar to combat pace threat
Their boss Pascal Jansen is confident, though, and thinks he knows the secret to beating West Ham.
West Ham will definitely be without Vladimir Coufal and Gianluca Scamacca.
There has been talk Kurt Zouma might be fit to return but this leg probably comes too soon. Although Moyes refused to rule it out altogether.
Another injury concern is Aaron Cresswell.
The left-back picked up a knock during the Man United clash. And while it is nothing serious he may be saved for the second leg.
We predict Moyes makes two big West Ham changes for the European semi-final against AZ Alkmaar to combat their pace threat.
West Ham will quickly find out what AZ are all about – pace and energy
The first change will see Alphonse Areola come in for Lukasz Fabianski in goal.
With Cresswell nursing a minor knock we think Moyes might start Emerson in his place.
Especially given the pace threat Alkmaar carry down their right-hand side.
West Ham will quickly find out that Alkmaar are a side packed full of pace and agility.
So Emerson’s athleticism and speed could be vital.
Other than that we expect West Ham to line-up with the same side which started against Man United.
Predicted West Ham starting XI to face AZ Alkmaar
Areola, Kehrer, Aguerd, Ogbonna, Emerson, Rice, Soucek, Paqueta, Benrahma, Bowen, Antonio.
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