Fresh from beating Manchester United in the league and sealing survival, West Ham will look to go one better this season and make it into the final of this year’s Europa Conference League. They will go one-on-one against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday in the first leg of this semi-final tie.
The Hammers will look to maintain their impressive performance at the London Stadium on Thursday and get a good result to take to the Netherlands.
Alkmaar will look to bide their time, absorb the pressure, and launch their attacks and game plan on the Londoners.
Key Highlights
Sealing Survival Gives West Ham Fresh Impetus to Fight for Europa
After a torrid season characterized by fears that West Ham could be relegated, they sealed their survival when they beat Man United 1-0, which gave them some fresh air to the others in the relegation fight.
David Moyes’ men will turn their attention to the European competition, where they are on the cusp of making it into the finals.
The home match at the London Stadium will come on the back of that impressive 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday that lifted the spirits at the club.
The home form will be crucial against Alkmaar, especially given the second leg will be in the Netherlands next week.
David Motes will focus on getting the best result in the second leg to ensure they go away to the Eredivisie side next week with a good lead to defend or expand.
Domestic Inconsistency to Impact Alkmaar in Europe?
AZ Alkmaar prepared for the trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham on Thursday with a 0-0 away draw at Ajax. This was an impressive result for Alkmaar and would encourage them that they can get a good result in London.
Bet hereAlkmaar’s inconsistency has hampered their potential challenge for the title in the Eredivisie. They have lost six matches so far this season, compared to just once lost by league leaders Feyenoord.
In their last five matches, Alkmaar has won two times, once, and drew two times. They are currently fourth on the Eredivisie table with 61 points, 15 points behind leaders Feyenoord.
Alkmaar will look to be pragmatic in their match at the London Stadium; they will focus on controlling the match and frustrating West Ham. They will bide their time and attack in transitions.
Injury Report
West Ham
David Moyes will have one fitness doubt in the match against Alkmaar on Thursday.
Center-forward Gianluca Scamacca is facing a potentially serious knee injury. The 24-year-old has had this problem since April 1, 2023, and is expected to be fully fit by May 31, 2023.
The rest of the squad is fully fit and ready for the semi-final.
AZ Alkmaar
Alkmaar will be without three first-team squad players on Thursday’s trip to the London Stadium.
Center-back Bruno Martins Indi is facing a thigh problem, which will continue to keep him out of action.
Goalkeeper Sem Westerveld is out with a knee injury, whereas attacking midfielder Dani de Wit is also nursing a foot injury.
Possible Lineups
West Ham
L. Fabianski; T. Kehrer, N. AGuerd, A. Ogbonna, A. cresswell; T. Soucek. D. Rice; J. Bowen. Lucas Pqueta, S. Benrahma; M. Antonio
AZ Alkmaar
M. Ryan; M. Kerkez, P. Hatzidiakos, S. Beulema, Y. Sugawara; T. Reinders, J. Clasie; M. van Brederode, S. Mijnans, J. Odgaard; E. Pavlidis
Prediction
West Ham will play on the front foot. They will adopt a vertical and direct approach to attack Alkmaar. They will also use their presence at the front to trouble the Alkmaar defense.
Alkmaar will look to be patient in their passing and defending and picking their moments to attack.
West Ham will win the match and take the lead to the Netherlands next week.
Make sure to bet on West Ham vs AZ Alkmaar with 22Bet!
Bet here
