While West Ham United have had a decent season in 2021-22, a “better than they have been in recent years” kind of performance, they could still end up with nothing to show for it, after all is said and done. That is unless they win the Europa League tournament, and obtain the automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League that goes along with it. Otherwise they’ll end the year trophy-less and probably seventh place in the table (and with a Conference League bid, so yey? Huzzah? No?).
In order for the Hammers to complete their quest, they’ll first have to vanquish Eintract Frankfurt, who they’ll welcome in for the first of their two legged semifinal tie tomorrow night.
West Ham United vs Eintract Frankfurt FYIs
Europa League Semifinal Leg 1/2
Kick: Thurs Apr 28, 8pm, London Stadium
Preview Content: Team News Starting XI Predictions
After Extra Time Podcast: Spotify Apple
Now let’s take a look at who could be in the first teams when they Premier League and Bundesliga sides clash in midweek at the London Stadium.
Let’s get our UEL on!
Starting XI Predictions
West Ham United
Areola; Johnson, Dawson, Cresswell; Coufal, Soucek, Rice, Masuaku; Fornals, Bowen; Antonio
Eintracht Frankfurt
Trapp; Tuta, Hinteregger, Hasebe; Knauff, Sow, Rode, Kostic; Kamada, Lindstrom; Borre
Fearless Prediction: West Ham United 2, Eintract Frankfurt 1
Expect the East London side to take care of business at home, like they really need to do, in order to win this tie.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.