The 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League is probably the best chance that West Ham United will have, for awhile, to win a trophy. It looks like their best overall player, English midfielder Declan Rice, will almost certainly be moving on. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are among the many clubs that will be keen to acquire him.
Other star players could follow Rice out the door, and that would leave the east London club with the tricky proposition of trying to replace all of them. With the summer transfer window exodus looming, manager David Moyes must close the deal here in the UECL.
West Ham United vs AZ Alkmaar FYIs
Kickoff: Thurs May 18, 8pm, AFAS Stadion
Competition: UECL Semifinal, Leg 2/2, WHUFC leads 2-1 on aggregate
West Ham Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Fun Fact: AZ are unbeaten in their last 25 UEFA games in Alkmaar (W17 D8)
He brought the Hammers oh so close towards potential European glory in the Europa League, but fell short and alas, the silverware drought persists.
AZ Alkmaar are very and I mean very, tough at home, so they will need to be put the best possible squad on the pitch, and everyone needs to bring their A game.
West Ham United Starting XI Prediction at AZ Alkmaar
Fabianski; Johnson, Ogbonna, Aguerd, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Paquetá, Benrahma; Antonio
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager 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’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.