West Ham United host Anderlecht this Thursday as they look to keep their perfect run on the continent going. The Hammers can put one foot in the knockout phases of the Conference League with a positive result in this clash.
Despite the clash between these two sides last week finishing 1-0, it was still an engrossing watch. Gianluca Scamacca scored the decisive goal with a little over ten minutes to spare in Belgium. Alphonse Areola was still required to perform some heroics though, in order to keep out Fabio Silva’s strike at the death. If this clash can mimic last week, it will be fun to watch.
Both sides have everything to play for in this one. A win for West Ham will see them sit atop the group with an almost unassailable 12 points. A win for Anderlecht will see them strengthen their grip in second place.
It will also put them in a prime position to capitalize, should West Ham slip up later in the group stage.
West Ham vs Anderlecht FYIs
Kick Off: Thurs, Oct 13, 2022, at 8 pm UK at London Stadium
Competition: UECL Group B, Matchday 4 of 6
West Ham Team News: Go Here
After Extra Time Podcast: Spotify Apple
UECL Group Standings: West Ham: 1st, 9pts Anderlecht 2nd, 4pts
Starting XI Prediction
West Ham almost has a complete squad to choose from. There are just a couple of injured players who will be unavailable for this clash. I think we will see some rotation from David Moyes. He has a proven penchant for this in both this competition and the Europa League.
Here is how we see The Irons lining up against Anderlecht.
GK- Areola
DEF- Coufal, Dawson, Ogbonna, Johnson
MID- Emerson, Downes, Lanzini
ATT- Benrahma, Antonio, Fornals
Match Prediction
Although I wouldn’t write Anderlecht off completely, I think West Ham has too much quality for the Belgian side. I think it will be an entertaining watch, with a similar result to last week. Maybe just a couple more goals. West Ham 2-1.
Stuart Kavanagh is a journalist currently residing in Broken Hill, Australia. He writes for the Barrier Truth newspaper, along with being the owner of the sports and entertainment website thepyrrhic.com, He co-hosts the ‘After Extra Time’ podcast and contributes at edgeofthecrowd.com when time permits. He is also the Media & Communications Director at the Newosis Mental Health Foundation. You can find more about what the Newosis Mental Health Foundation is about here.
Football mad, he is always down for debate and discussion at @stueyissickofit on Twitter.