LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Players of West Ham United observe a minutes silence as part of the Remembrance Day proceedings prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on November 07, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
West Ham United will be without two first-team players for their Europa Conference League clash against AZ Alkmaar, according to injury expert, Ben Dinnery.
Gianluca Scamacca is a long-term absentee from David Moyes’ plans and is joined by Vladimir Coufal, who is not expected to return until 21 May.
According to Dinnery, Michail Antonio has a “50 percent” chance of being fit for the clash in the Netherlands after missing the 2-0 loss against Brentford.
Silverware
A piece of silverware and Europa League qualification would be a wonderful way for the Hammers to end the 2022/23 season. For many, that was the goal at the start of the campaign. It’s certainly not been a smooth road, but Moyes has managed to steer his side through turbulent times.
He’s come back from the brink on a couple of occasions and it feels like the Conference League has been his saving grace. Realistically, three years of European football on the spin would be warmly welcomed by the London Stadium faithful.
Next season, more needs to be done on the domestic front. Moyes is likely to stay and the Scot must ensure he secures a top-ten finish. The prospect of another relegation battle cannot be contemplated and the board won’t have it.
They’ve shown patience over the past six months, but that will wear thin if the Hammers’ Premier League fortunes follow a similar path next year. West Ham needs to be back competing for the top seven, much like they’ve done in previous seasons.
