West Ham vs Backa Topola predictions for Thursday’s Europa League affair. Conference League champions West Ham United commence their Europa League journey with a match against Backa Topola at the London Stadium this Thursday evening. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Thursday, 21st September at 8:00 pm In:
West Ham United vs Backa Topola Predictions
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Europa League Spotlight: West Ham United’s Quest Continues Against Rising Backa Topola
Key Stats
– Backa Topola have an impressive domestic run, accumulating 19 points from seven matches.
– James Ward-Prowse has been directly involved in five goals in his last four games for West Ham.
West Ham United’s Europa League journey begins at their home ground, the London Stadium, as they take on Serbian team Backa Topola. The Hammers, fresh from their Europa Conference League triumph, are set to grace the European stage once more. Their opponents, on the other hand, are making their group-stage debut in this prestigious competition.
The triumphant finale in Prague last June, which saw West Ham clinch the title against Fiorentina, ushered in a wave of positivity. This victory has not only boosted their reputation on the European scene but has also made them an appealing destination for potential new signings. David Moyes, the experienced Scot at the helm, has used this newfound appeal to fortify his team, making them genuine contenders for the Europa League title.
Comparing Team Form
West Ham’s domestic performance offers insights into their preparedness. In their five opening matches in the Premier League, they managed to secure 10 points out of a potential 15, succumbing only to Manchester City in a game they initially led. This small setback hasn’t dampened their spirits. Their previous European campaign, where they remained unbeaten, showcases their resilience and Moyes’ tactical acumen in navigating continental football.
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Backa Topola’s journey to this stage has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Ascending to Serbia’s top-flight in the 2018/19 season, they’ve quickly solidified their status among the country’s elite. Their current domestic run, accumulating 19 points from seven matches and sitting atop giants like Partizan and Red Star Belgrade, is commendable. However, their 7-1 aggregate loss to Sporting Braga in the Champions League qualifiers reveals their vulnerability against top European clubs.
Squad Rotation and Strategy
Moyes, ever the tactician, is expected to shuffle his deck with Liverpool lurking on the weekend. Players like Lukasz Fabianski, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and Mohammed Kudus are likely to be given starting berths, while stalwarts like Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio might get a breather. Backa Topola’s lineup, conversely, is predicted to echo their recent 6-3 win over Zeleznicar.
Analysing Key Players and Team Statistics
When delving into the stats, it’s clear why both teams have made it to this stage. West Ham’s top performers in the Premier League this season include Alphonse Aréola, James Ward-Prowse, and Lucas Paquetá, with impressive BettingTips4You Expert Ratings averaging above 7.2. For Backa Topola, Miloš Cvetković and Saša Jovanović have stood out in their domestic league.
West Ham, with a 35.2% ball possession average, might seem on the back foot, but their clinical nature, evident from their average of 2 goals per match, compensates for this. Backa Topola, boasting a 60.3% possession rate, demonstrates their domestic dominance, but their goals conceded average of 0.9 suggests they might be vulnerable against a side of West Ham’s calibre.
Predictions
1. West Ham Win:
The Hammers, as West Ham are affectionately called, have displayed a promising start in their domestic season, accumulating an impressive 10 points from a possible 15. This feat is even more significant when you factor in that their only loss came against Manchester City, where they maintained a half-time lead. Their recent European form, particularly last season, further strengthens the case for a West Ham victory. They cruised through their European campaign without a single defeat, a testament to their ability to handle the pressures and challenges of continental football. In contrast, Backa Topola faced a crushing 7-1 aggregate defeat against Sporting Braga in the Champions League qualifying rounds, underscoring their vulnerability when up against top-tier European teams. While Backa Topola have shown decent form domestically, the leap in quality they’ll encounter when facing West Ham, especially at the London Stadium, will likely prove insurmountable.
2. Correct Score: 3-0 to West Ham:
Several factors lead us to this scoreline prediction. West Ham’s attacking prowess has been evident, with players like James Ward-Prowse making an immediate impact and contributing to the team’s goal tally. Their domestic form, with 10 goals scored in just five games, showcases their ability to find the back of the net. On the other hand, Backa Topola’s defensive vulnerabilities, as exposed by Sporting Braga in their 7-1 aggregate loss, make them susceptible to conceding multiple goals. Additionally, the Hammers’ defensive form, having conceded just seven goals in five domestic matches, suggests that they might keep a clean sheet against the Serbian side. This all points to a dominant display from West Ham, hence the 3-0 prediction.
3. Goalscorer: James Ward-Prowse:
Ward-Prowse’s arrival at West Ham has been nothing short of spectacular. He has quickly established himself as a key player, making his mark in the goal and assist columns. His statistics reveal a direct involvement in five goals in just four games since donning the claret and blue shirt. This exceptional form, combined with his renowned set-piece prowess, makes him a strong candidate to score in the upcoming match. Given the relative inexperience of Backa Topola at this level of competition and the potential gaps in their defensive setup, Ward-Prowse’s skill set makes him a prime candidate to exploit these weaknesses and get his name on the scoresheet.
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