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Irons enter the history making business in Genk

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David Moyes is facing a doubly historic night as he takes charge of the Hammers in his 1,000th game as a manager in Genk tonight.

For not only is he marking up his massive personal achievement but he could also lead the Hammers into becoming the first English club in UEFA Europa League history to win their opening four group-stage matches without conceding a goal.

Having defeated Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in Croatia and Austrians Rapid Vienna 2-0 and KRC Genk 3-0 at London Stadium, the Scot takes his team to Belgium seeking a fourth straight shutout victory.

A win would also see the club qualify so his team selection could hardly be more important.

I’m expecting Vladi Coufal to return at the back with MAYBE Aaron Cresswell getting an overdue rest with Ben Johnson switching to the left side.

Arthur Masuaku is likely to be in the squad and Manu Lanzini certainly deserves a start although maybe Tomas will get a rest given Nobes’ last appearance was impressive.

Here’s the team I would like to see line up along with my prediction remembering that Genk showed enough at times in the London Stadium to pose a threat.

Areola; Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Johnson;  Noble, Rice, Kral, Lanzini, Vlasic, Bowen.

PREDICTION 0-1

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon