West Ham United have slowly slipped out of the Premier League top-four race but they still have a glimmer of hope left in regards to playing in the Champions League next season.
The Hammers are still playing in the Europa League and this weekend they take on Lyon in the 2nd leg of their quarter-final tie. The 1st leg ended 1-1 so this one is going to be an absolute cracker. While it’s still a far-fetched dream, winning the UEL will guarantee West Ham a spot in the UCL next campaign.
Both these sides have been in poor form lately as Lyon have drawn four and won one out of their last five whereas West Ham United have lost two and drawn one(winning the other two) out of the same number of ties.
This 2nd leg though will be an away game for David Moyes’ side so Lyon will definitely have a slight upper hand on Thursday. With no away goal in play, we expect the London club to start the game a bit cautiously and maybe shift gears during the final 45 minutes.
West Ham United team news vs Lyon:
Aaron Cresswell will be missing due to a suspension which means Masuaku will come in on the left-hand side of defence.
Kurt Zouma is another player who could miss the trip to France after he picked up an ankle injury during the weekend’s game against Brentford. If Zouma is out then it will be a major blow for the Hammers boss.
According to a report in the Standard, the central defender will not be fit in time to feature on Thursday.
West Ham look likely to be without Kurt Zouma for Thursday's crunch Europa League clash with Lyon.
The French defender suffered an ankle injury against Brentford and his chances of featuring this week are rated as "difficult".
✍️ @Dan_KPhttps://t.co/kHPkfi3CB4
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) April 12, 2022
Craig Dawson also has a nose injury but he will be fit and available for selection at the Groupama Stadium.
Manuel Lanzini though will be back from suspension and this is a big boost for the West Ham United manager.
Fornals had played as the attacking midfielder in the 1st leg but now with Lanzini coming back, Pablo Fornals will usual role on the left flank.
Kick-off details:
Timing: 14th April, Thursday at 20:00 BST
Venue: Groupama Stadium
Referee: Sandro Schaerer
Broadcast:
UK: BT Sport 1, BTSport.com, BT Sport App
India: JioTV, SONY TEN 1, Sony LIV, SONY TEN 1 HD
USA: Univision NOW, TUDN App, Galavision, TUDN.com, Paramount+
West Ham United predicted line up vs Lyon:
Predicted XI(4-2-3-1): Areola; Coufal, Dawson, Zouma/Diop, Masuaku; Declan Rice, Soucek; Lanzini, Fornals, Jarrod Bowen; Michail Antonio.
