New European adventure for West Ham, who last season reached the threshold of the Europa League final. This time the competition is less noble, the Conference League, but the Hammers present themselves as big favourites for the final victory. First, however, there is a play-off to overcome: the draw was benevolent with the London club, pairing them with the Danes of Viborg. In Europe, David Moyes’ men have the opportunity to turn over a new leaf after a disappointing start that has fallen far short of expectations.
In the Premier League, in fact, Antonio and his team-mates are still on zero points after the first two days. And if the home defeat on the opening day against reigning champions Manchester City was in the order of things, last weekend’s loss to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, who got the better of them thanks to a goal from former Liverpool man Awoniyi, sounded the first alarm bell. Zero goals in two games for the Hammers: West Ham’s main difficulties were in attack, the department that had hardly ever disappointed last year. An offensive drought that had already been glimpsed in the pre-season friendlies, with the Hammers rarely capable of scoring more than one goal, moreover against opponents within reach.
Against the Danes it will be turnover and it could be the turn of former Sassuolo striker Scamacca, who has so far limited himself to coming on from the bench. Viborg certainly have more minutes in their legs than the English, having already played five league games and two qualifying rounds. In the Superligaen, Jacob Friis’ team has collected three wins and two losses, while in the Conference they have beaten Suduva Marijampole and Torshavn. On Sunday instead came a comfortable 2-0 win against Silkeborg.
David Moyes ©️Ansafoto
The Prediction
The difference between the two teams is quite marked and it is hard to imagine another West Ham faux pas. The English side are clear favourites over the Danes and should win in front of their home crowd by at least two goals.
West Ham-Viborg
probable line-ups.
WEST HAM (4-3-3): Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Johnson, Cresswell; Downes, Rice, Lanzini; Bowen, Scamacca, Benrahma.
VIBORG (4-3-3): Lund; Anyembe, Zaletel, Burgy, Sorensen; Bonde, Gronning, Leemans; Said, Grot, Lonwijk.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0
