Both Leverkusen and West Ham have major selection issues heading into their Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash at the BayArena on Thursday.
The German side are one of the most in-form teams in world football at the moment and could win their first ever Bundesliga title this coming weekend should they claim all three points against Werder Bremen.
But, it’s unlikely Xabi Alonso will be looking to that game yet with European glory still very much a priority for the Spaniard.
David Moyes has guided West Ham to another excellent campaign and the Hammers look poised to qualify for Europe via the Premier League again.
Leverkusen Team News and predicted XI
Leverkusen may have won at the weekend, but they didn’t come through it unscathed as both Adam Hlozek and Nathan Tella were forced off due to injury, with the former set to miss a couple of weeks of action.
They were boosted by the return of striker Victor Boniface for that game, but he hadn’t played since December prior to Union Berlin so two matches in a week may come too quickly for the Nigerian.
Arthur is available again but not fully fit, which means a likely start for Jeremy Frimpong down the right wing.
Borja Iglesias started the last game, but he will probably drop out up top in favour of Patrik Schick.
Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Kossounou, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Adli; Schick.
West Ham Team News and predicted XI
West Ham aren’t without their problems, too, as key player Jarrod Bowen had to be withdrawn against Wolves due to bruising on his spine. A huge loss for the Hammers as he has enjoyed a wonderful season so far. If he can’t play, Michail Antonio will lead the line.
Alphonse Areola is out with a groin issue, while Edson Alvarez is suspended.
With Alvarez missing, Moyes could either change to a back three with four across the middle in midfield or utilise Kalvin Phillips, but the Manchester City loanee has had a torrid time since moving in January.
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Coufal, Mavropanos, Zouma; Emerson; Soucek, Phillips; Kudus, Ward Prowse, Paqueta; Antonio.
For all of the analysis of the match as it happens live, check out our Preview and Live Update page for the game.
FAQs
What time does the match start? The match kicks off at 20:00 on the 11th of April, 2024.
What was the score the last time Leverkusen played West Ham? Leverkusen have only played West Ham once before and it actually came this campaign in a pre-season friendly in which the German side won 4-0.
What is Leverkusen’s next match? After West Ham, Leverkusen face Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
What is West Ham’s next match? After Leverkusen, West Ham face Fulham in the Premier League.
