West Ham predicted XI v Bayer Leverkusen after Bowen, Areola and Phillips injury updates
West Ham will try and clinch a Europa League semi-final place when they take on Bayer Leverkusen at the London Stadium on Thursday (18 April).
The Hammers must recover from a 2-0 deficit, having lost by that scoreline away to the German side last Thursday (11 April).
Since then, Xabi Alonso’s outfit have secured the Bundesliga title, smashing Werder Bremen 5-0 on Sunday (14 April).
On the same day, David Moyes’s side suffered a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Fulham in the Premier League.
Based on the latest injury and suspension news, Football Insider predicts the starting XI that Moyes will choose as he attempts to secure a last-four spot in the Europa League.
Defence
As per the official West Ham website (16 April), goalkeeper Alphonse Areola will be assessed ahead of the match amid a groin injury.
But even if that late fitness test is passed, the French international is not expected to start given how Lukasz Fabianski has been the man trusted between the sticks in Europe.
The Pole may have conceded twice against the Cottagers, but he certainly kept the Hammers in the game for as long as possible with a stunning eight saves made.
Vladimir Coufal should continue at right-back, but Emerson is suspended after picking up three yellow cards, meaning Aaron Cresswell is likely to start at left-back.
Nayef Aguerd should continue in central defence, although Kurt Zouma is expected to come in for Dinos Mavropanos after the Greek international was withdrawn through injury against Fulham.
Midfield
The official West Ham website reported that Kalvin Phillips will also be assessed ahead of the match, but even if fit, the loanee is not expected to start ahead of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez.
Ward-Prowse was one of very few West Ham players to shine against Fulham, with the former Southampton captain registering a 93% pass success rate and making three key passes.
Attack
Star winger Jarrod Bowen missed the first leg through a back injury, but Sky Sports News has shared footage of the England ace training on Wednesday (17 April).
Moyes could be forced into starting Bowen despite his recent issue, with Mohammed Kudus occupying a starting role on the left.
Like Emerson, Lucas Paqueta is suspended through yellow cards, with the Brazilian attacker potentially being replaced by Tomas Soucek.
Both Brazilian stars will be sorely missed by Moyes, with Emerson and Paqueta registering 107 and 102 touches against Fulham respectively, well ahead of every other player on the pitch, with the duo making three key passes between them.
That shift behind the striker could see Michail Antonio handed a starting role in his favoured position for the London Stadium clash under the lights.
In other news, Irons make move to sign red-hot Euro striker after scouts blown away.
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