West Ham United and Gent square off in the second leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final, with both teams optimistic of continuing in the competition.
The two teams drew 1-1 in Belgium the other week, with the home team having the lead but not being able to travel to the London Stadium this week.
While West Ham would have been happy with the Europa Conference League result, David Moyes would have been scared of a Ghent side in good form. It proved true, as West Ham had to withstand intense pressure from the Belgian side in order to retain a portion of the winnings ahead of the return match in London.
The tie is now on the verge of collapse, but West Ham should accept all of the positives from the outcome, with only one defeat in their last eight games.
The 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday has taken some of the burden off Moyes, whose club is currently four points clear of relegation. West Ham can now concentrate on trying to go further in this tournament, having put together a whole 11-match unbeaten record on the European stage.
Yet, there is a sense that Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s team are the dark horses to win the trophy, having crushed Istanbul Basaksehir in the last 16 and demonstrating their abilities in the first leg against the Hammers.
Despite consecutive ties in the Jupiler Pro League against Union SG and Mechelen, they are in the last Championship playoff berth. Victory over 17th-placed KV Oostende is essential to earn fourth place, but their whole emphasis will be on this competition as they want to achieve their most remarkable feat in their history.
Team News- West Ham
With Angelo Ogbonna serving a one-match suspension, Kurt Zouma should rejoin to the West Ham defence, and Moyes may make more changes from the first leg.
Depending as to whether Moyes goes with a centre midfield two or three, Lucas Paqueta might replace Ben Johnson. Said Benrahma might also see action in the final third, while Alphonse Areola will return to the goal.
Team News- Gent
After Genk coach Vanhaezebrouck made several changes over the weekend, he is expected to field a team identical to that of the first leg.
While Matisse Samoise scored from right wing-back against KV Mechelen, Alessio Castro-Montes is expected to return there on Thursday, with Malick Fofana taking his place on the other flank.
Prediction-
West Ham 2-1 Gent
Date- 21st April, 2023
Time- 7pm GMT
Venue- London Stadium
