Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker:
Knowing that a single point will be enough to officially punch their ticket as Group A winners, West Ham will welcome Freiburg to the London Stadium on Thursday night.
West Ham
Starting with the hosts, putting in a woeful performance over the weekend as they slumped to an infamous 5-0 drumming at the hands of Fulham, it is no secret that West Ham are seeking an immediate response here. However, despite watching their six-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt end at Craven Cottage a few days ago, the Hammers have enjoyed another stellar European romp. Making real history last season as they were crowned Europa Conference League champions, the one-time Manchester United boss will be calling on his squad to find off their Group A romp on Thursday night. Knowing that a single point will be enough to officially punch a quarter-final ticket, West Ham should be excited by their continued success on home soil. Including a 1-0 victory against Greek giants Olympiacos on November 9th, Moyes’ men have collected 10 points from their previous four showdowns at the London Stadium across all competitions.
Team News
While midfield talisman Edson Alvarez might have missed out away at Fulham over the weekend after suffering with an illness, West Ham are hopeful that the Mexico international will be able to make a full return here. However, dealing with a recent knee injury, the Hammers will be without Michail Antonio on Thursday night.
Already notching nine Premier League strikes this season, ex-Hull starlet Jarrod Bowen will spearhead Moyes’ attack here. Summer recruit Mohammed Kudus will partner the England international in the final third.
Freiburg
As for the visitors, while Freiburg might have found themselves in the midst of a real struggle prior to November’s international break, Christian Streich’s side have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Last seen over the weekend picking up some perfect momentum as they secured a 1-0 victory away at Wolfsburg, the Reds have now won each of their previous three appearances across all competitions. Already cruising their way to the Europa League knockout stage with plenty of time to spare, the German outfit have also continued to shine with their clinical performances in the final third. Including a stellar 5-0 romp against Olympiacos on November 30th, it should be highlighted that Freiburg have bagged 17 strikes in their five Group A appearances this season. However, hit with a 2-1 defeat when they welcomed West Ham to the Europa-Park Stadion for their reverse meeting on October 5th, Streich’s men should face a stern examination here.
Team News
Still dealing with a stacked injury list, Freiburg will travel to the London Stadium without the likes of Christian Gunter, Yannik Keitel, Daniel-Kofi Kyerech, Maximilian Philipp and Kenneth Schmidt on Thursday night. Despite returning from his own respective injury blow last month, Hungary international Roland Sallai will have to settle for a spot on the bench here.
Once again finding the net away at Wolfsburg over the weekend and now bagging five strikes in just his previous three appearances, the red-hot Michael Gregoritsch will spearhead Freiburg’s charge in east London.
Key Factors to Consider
