West Ham United have a hole to dig out of in midweek when they host SC Freiburg in UEL competition. The Hammers are behind 0-1 on aggregate in this tie, so manager David Moyes needs to really go with a lineup that puts his best foot forward. Jarrod Bowen is unquestionably this team’s first choice striker.
Thus we’ve seen the team’s other strikers come off the bench and feature in rather different and very unexpected roles.
West Ham United vs SC Freiburg FYIs
Kickoff: Thurs. Mar. 14, 8pm, London Stadium
Competition: UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Leg 2/2
Aggregate: SC Freiburg leads 1-0
West Ham United Preview Content: Starting XI Prediction Team News
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Fun Fact: Including qualifying matches, West Ham have won their last 10 at home in continental competition.
Last time out, Michail Antonio came on for James Ward-Prowse in the central midfield role. And in the back line, in the spine of the defense, Danny Ings was subbed on for Nayef Aguerd.
So be on the look out for something like that to happen again here.
West Ham United Starting XI Prediction vs SC Freiburg
Alphonse Areola; Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Aaron Cresswell; Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek; Lucas Paqueta, James Ward-Prowse, Mohammed Kudus; Jarrod Bowen
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to Ravens Wire, part of the USA Today SMG’s NFL Wire Network. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated, Chicago Tribune and the Washington Times. You can follow him on Twitter.