Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus are missing

Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus are missing from squad pictures for the game against Backa Topola in Serbia this evening. The Hammers, as the Europa League Group A leaders, will be fielding a very different team to that we saw at Burnley in our Premier League win.

We reported yesterday (Wed) rumours that Kudus would be missing after manager David Moyes admitted he had two players absent, along of course with Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, whilst refusing to say who they may be. However, it now seems that Alvarez and Kudus are among those that will be given time to recover for the home game against Palace at the weekend.

Our key contact told us this morning: “We have a few sick, due possibly to massive travelling then playing within 36/48 hours of landing. That is not good for players health.”

The Hammers really need a win to remain on top of Group A with the team having beaten Backa in the first game at the London Stadium 3-1. To use a Harry…ism it won’t be easy as  we are down to the “bare bones” of the squad.

Fabianski is set to take over in goal and the back line will probably comprise Coufal/Kehrer, Mavropanos, Aguerd and Cresswell. Midfield is likely to include Soucek, Paqueta, Ward-Prowse (in the holding role) and Benrahma with Fornals and Mubama up front.

Please Moysie don’t use Danny Ings who hasn’t scored a goal this season and rarely looks like getting one!