Ferencváros v West Ham predictions for this pre-season friendly. West Ham United start pre-season against Hungarian champions Ferencváros on Monday afternoon Can the Hammers begin with a convincing win? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Club Friendlies | Jul 15, 2024 at 3pm UK at Sportstadion Langau
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Ferencváros v West Ham Predictions
Will West Ham’s New Era Under Lopetegui Start with a Bang Against Ferencváros?
Key Stats
– West Ham averaged 1.6 goals per game last season, with their defence conceding 1.9 goals per match.
– Ferencváros boasted 2.4 goals per game last season while conceding just 0.9 goals per match.
– West Ham’s Michail Antonio is a prime candidate to score, given his pivotal role in the team’s attack.
West Ham United are on the cusp of a new chapter as they face Hungarian champions Ferencváros in a pre-season friendly. This encounter marks Julen Lopetegui’s first match as head coach of the Hammers, a team looking to recalibrate and recharge ahead of the upcoming Premier League season. Ferencváros, meanwhile, arrive in Austria with the momentum of several pre-season fixtures already under their belt, making this a fascinating clash of preparedness and ambition.
Team Preparations and Key Players
West Ham United have had a week of intensive training in Austria, incorporating tactical drills, small-sided games, and conditioning sessions. The squad includes established names like Mohammed Kudus, Danny Ings, Kurt Zouma, and James Ward-Prowse, alongside new signings Wes Foderingham, Maximilian Kilman, and Luis Guilherme. The inclusion of promising academy talents such as George Earthy and Callum Marshall adds an intriguing element to Lopetegui’s options.
On the other hand, Ferencváros enter this match with a solid foundation from their pre-season fixtures. Under the guidance of London-born Pascal Jansen, they have already contested matches against teams like NK Nafta Lendava and Sepsi OSK Sfântu Gheorghe. Their squad features new signings like midfielders Kady Borges, Phillippe Rommens, Péter Baráth, and Isaac Pappoe, as well as centre-back Raul Gustavo.
Tactical Approaches and Managerial Insights
Lopetegui’s arrival at West Ham signifies a shift towards a more structured and disciplined playing style. Known for his emphasis on tactical organisation and ball control, Lopetegui’s training sessions have reportedly focused on these aspects. His reputation for developing robust defensive units will be under scrutiny, especially considering West Ham’s defensive frailties last season.
Ferencváros, having dominated Hungarian football for the past decade, bring a blend of experience and tactical acumen to the table. Pascal Jansen’s side is expected to employ a possession-based approach, aiming to exploit spaces with quick transitions. The tactical battle between Jansen’s possession play and Lopetegui’s disciplined structure will be a key narrative in this match.
Predicted Lineups and Playing Style
West Ham United (3-4-3):
- Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
- Defenders: Kurt Zouma, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Aaron Cresswell
- Midfielders: Vladimir Coufal, James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek, Emerson
- Forwards: Mohammed Kudus, Michail Antonio, Lucas Paqueta
West Ham’s expected lineup indicates a solid defensive trio, complemented by a dynamic midfield. The presence of creative players like Paqueta and Kudus suggests a balance between solidity and flair. Michail Antonio’s physicality upfront will be crucial in unsettling the Ferencváros defence.
Ferencváros (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Denes Dibusz
- Defenders: Henry Wingo, Ibrahim Cisse, Samy Mmaee, Eldar Civic
- Midfielders: Kristoffer Zachariassen, Mohammad Abu Fani, Habib Maiga, Marquinhos
- Forwards: Barnabas Varga, Kenan Kodro
Ferencváros’ formation underscores their intent to control the midfield while providing ample support to their attacking duo. The defensive pairing of Cisse and Mmaee will be pivotal in countering West Ham’s offensive threats.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be crucial, with James Ward-Prowse’s playmaking abilities up against Mohammad Abu Fani’s defensive acumen. The duel between Michail Antonio and Samy Mmaee is another intriguing matchup, likely to influence the attacking dynamics for West Ham.
Gameplay Predictions
Expect West Ham to start cautiously, focusing on maintaining shape and discipline. Lopetegui’s influence should bring more structured play, with the team looking to build from the back and control possession. Ferencváros, accustomed to dominating their domestic league, will aim to assert their style early, leveraging their pre-season momentum.
Strengths and Weaknesses
West Ham’s primary strength lies in their midfield depth and attacking versatility. However, their defensive consistency remains a concern. Lopetegui’s track record suggests he can instill the necessary discipline, but it’s a task that will require time.
Ferencváros’ strength is their cohesive unit and experience in European competitions. Their weakness could be adapting to the tactical rigours imposed by Lopetegui, especially given the heightened physicality of West Ham’s Premier League experience.
Managerial Analysis and Criticism
Lopetegui’s managerial prowess is well-regarded, particularly his ability to organise defensively robust teams. However, his adaptability in the high-paced environment of the Premier League remains to be seen. His predecessor’s downfall was often attributed to tactical rigidity; Lopetegui must avoid this pitfall to succeed.
Pascal Jansen’s impressive record in Hungary speaks volumes, but his challenge will be to translate domestic dominance into success against stronger European teams. His tactical flexibility will be tested against Lopetegui’s structured approach.
Expected Goals Analysis
West Ham averaged 1.6 goals per game last season, with a defence conceding 1.9 goals per match. Their reliance on key players for goals, coupled with defensive lapses, paints a picture of a team needing tactical coherence.
Ferencváros, on the other hand, boasted an impressive 2.4 goals per game while conceding just 0.9. Their offensive potency is evident, but maintaining such form against tougher opponents like West Ham is the real challenge.
Predictions and Betting Angles
Best Bet: West Ham to Win and Both Teams to Score
Given West Ham’s attacking depth and Ferencváros’ defensive solidity, this prediction hinges on the Hammers’ ability to break down their opponents while still conceding due to their defensive inconsistencies. Lopetegui’s side will likely find the net, but Ferencváros’ attacking prowess ensures they won’t go down without a fight.
Correct Score Prediction: West Ham 3-1 Ferencváros
This prediction aligns with the best bet, suggesting that while West Ham have the firepower to secure a win, their defensive lapses will allow Ferencváros to score. The Hammers’ structured yet offensive approach under Lopetegui should see them netting multiple goals.
Goalscorer Prediction: Michail Antonio to Score Anytime
Antonio’s physical presence and knack for finding the net make him a prime candidate to score. His role as the focal point of West Ham’s attack ensures he’ll get opportunities, particularly against a defence adapting to Lopetegui’s tactics.
Corner Prediction: West Ham to Have More Corners
With their emphasis on width and crossing, West Ham are likely to generate more corner opportunities. Their attacking style under Lopetegui, combined with Ferencváros’ tendency to defend deep, should result in the Hammers winning the corner count.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 10.5
Both teams’ attacking intentions and defensive setups suggest a high corner count. West Ham’s emphasis on crossing and Ferencváros’ compact defensive approach will likely result in numerous corner kicks.
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