“West Ham United’s Starting Lineup against Backa Topola: Team News and Predicted Formation”

West Ham XI vs Backa Topola: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, and injury latest for Europa League game

By Dom Smith | September 21, 2023

West Ham United will be without influential new signing Edson Alvarez for tonight’s Europa League opener against Backa Topola. The Mexican midfielder is suspended due to a second yellow card he picked up during last season’s competition. Manager David Moyes has confirmed that he will be making changes to the lineup following the team’s recent defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League.

Moyes’ Decision

Moyes made a decision over the summer to promote Alphonse Areola to the No.1 goalkeeper position, ahead of Lukasz Fabianski. However, for tonight’s game, Fabianski will be starting in goal. Moyes explained that Fabianski has been a brilliant goalkeeper and has done very little wrong to be out of the side, but the decision to make the change was necessary for the team’s overall performance. Fabianski had played in the Premier League last season, while Areola had played in European competitions. The switch in goalkeepers for this game indicates Moyes’ intention to prioritize both the Premier League and Europa League this season.

Ready to Play

Moyes has confirmed that all the players are fit and ready to play. He wants to keep all the players motivated and pushing for their positions in the starting lineup. This game against Serbian side Backa Topola provides an opportunity for some players to showcase their abilities.

The Starting Lineup

In Alvarez’s absence, Mohammed Kudus will get a chance to impress for West Ham, with Danny Ings leading the line. James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta will keep their places in what is still a strong Hammers side. The confirmed starting lineup for West Ham United against Backa Topola is as follows:

• Fabianski
• Kehrer
• Ogbonna
• Mavropanos
• Cresswell
• Ward-Prowse
• Paqueta
• Fornals
• Benrahma
• Kudus
• Ings

The substitutes for West Ham United are: Johnson, Zouma, Coufal, Antonio, Cornet, Areola, Aguerd, Soucek, Coventry, Emerson, Mubama, Anang.

Conclusion

West Ham United’s Europa League campaign begins with the absence of Edson Alvarez, an influential midfielder for the team. Manager David Moyes has emphasized that both the Premier League and Europa League are important competitions this season. Making changes to the lineup shows Moyes’ commitment to keeping all players motivated and pushing for their positions. The game against Backa Topola presents an opportunity for some players to showcase their abilities and make an impact. The confirmed lineup indicates Moyes’ intent to field a strong team and pursue success in the tournament.