West Ham United meets with SC Freiburg, with both teams aiming to finish at the top of their group stage, despite a qualification to the next round. These two teams are actually next to each other in their group stage. West Ham is at the top of their group standings with 12 points, winning three matches, and losing to one. Meanwhile, Freiburg is at the second of the group standings with 12 points as well, winning four matches and one loss. Both West Ham and Freiburg are guaranteed for a spot in the knockout stage. However, both teams are eager to finish at the top of the group standings for a better momentum. The second meeting between these two teams is on December 15, 2023, at 4:00 AM (GMT+8).
West Ham United
David Moyes, a manager, has struggled to balance his Premier League and European schedules due to a stomach bug affecting his squad. This has led to a 5-0 defeat at Fulham, just three days after defeating Tottenham Hotspur. Fortunately, West Ham can enter the fixture having qualified for at least the last 32, easing the pressure. The game is competitive for West Ham as they aim to take two matches off their schedule in 2024 and progress further towards winning European silverware in successive seasons. A draw will be enough for the East Londoners, but Moyes is eager to see an improved performance from their recent performance against Backa Topola. West Ham is unbeaten in four games across competitions, scoring eight goals and conceding four times.
West Ham’s starting lineup is uncertain due to a stomach bug, but Moyes will select the strongest team. Palmieri and Benrahma are likely to return, while Alphonse Areola could replace Fabianski.
SC Freiburg
Freiburg, currently in eighth place in the Bundesliga, is in better shape than West Ham, having recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins in league action. They have the best-attacking record in the Europa League this season, scoring 17 times in five games, with six of them coming away. They have a good defensive record, allowing in five goals. Freiburg has suffered one loss in six away games in the Europa League and an unbeaten run after the international break. Manager Christian Streich remains without Benjamin Uphoff, Christian Gunter, Yannik Keitel, Maximilian Philipp, and Daniel Kofi Kyereh for the trip to London. Lukas Kubler might start, while Noah Weisshaupt is doubtful due to illness.
Steich may select the same team from Wolfsburg if fitness is not a concern, as Michael Gregoritsch scored his fifth goal in three games.
Prediction:
West Ham United (1.5)
Odds: -0.85
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