West Ham face Olympiacos in the Europa League tonight and Vladimir Coufal will be absent..
The experienced full-back has started the season in fine form, with four assists to his name in the Premier League, but did not make the trip to Athens, where David’s side are Moyes is looking to extend their 17-match unbeaten streak.. in Europe.
‘He was a bit stressed so I left him at home,’ Hammers boss Moyes explained, suggesting Coufal’s problem was minor, although he gave no indication as to whether Is the Czech international healthy enough to face Everton in the final?? Sunday flight.
Thilo Kehrer looks set to start at right-back in place of Coufal, but Moyes’ defensive options have been boosted by the return to form of Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell, both of whom have moved to Greece.. Lap..
“I think Johnson is a little further ahead than Cressy at the moment, but if needed, they’re both ready to play,” Moyes confirmed.
Elsewhere, summer signing Konstantinos Mavropanos will start at centre-back when he returns to his homeland after taking over media duties on Wednesday night, while Jarrod Bowen could once again deployed as a central striker, as he had been in the victory in Friborg.
in the first day of this month..
Predicted West Ham XI (4-3-3):
Fabianski; Kehrer, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Soucek; Kudus, Bowen, Paqueta
Injured:
Coufal
Doubtful:
Cresswell
Date and time:
5:45pm BST, Thursday 26 October 2023
Venue:
Georgios Stadium Karaiskakis 44 4 4