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Recommended bets
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Match preview
Having recorded a 2-0 victory in Larnaca a week ago, West Ham United are in pole position to reach the quarter-finals.
Last Thursday, Michail Antonio bagged a quick-fire first half brace, first heading home Saïd Benrahma’s cross before lashing beyond the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.
So, it would be a major surprise if the Hammers didn’t march on.
Last season, David Moyes’ men got all the way to the Europa League semi-finals, so have to be amongst the favourites to go all the way in this competition.
In stark contrast, West Ham’s Premier League form is horrendous and could result in them getting relegated.
On Sunday, Benrahma’s equalised helped them hold Aston Villa to a 1-1 draw, meaning they’ve won just two of their last 14.
With no weekend fixture to worry about, it would’ve been a trip to Manchester City, West Ham can fully focus on completing the job here.
AEK Laranca have already enjoyed an historic continental adventure, reaching the knockout phase for the first time ever.
Back at home, José Luis Oltra’s side are challenging for the club’s first-ever Cypriot title, currently second, three points below APOEL, following Monday’s damaging 1-0 defeat to Apollon Limassol.
This’ll be the green-yellow’s first-ever fixture in England, with West Ham likely to cruise to victory at the London Stadium
West Ham United team news
Midfielder Flynn Downes is suspended, having been shown his third yellow card of the competition in Cyprus.
Alphonse Areola will continue to deputise in goal with Łukasz Fabiański sidelined due to a fractured eye socket.
Given that the Hammers are not in action again until 1 April, David Moyes is likely to go strong, trying to find some semblance of rhythm.
Tomáš Souček could continue in midfield alongside Lucas Paquetá and Declan Rice.
Fit again Kurt Zouma could keep his place in defence.
Up front, Gianluca Scamacca didn’t even get off the bench on Sunday, with Danny Ings and Michail Antonio very much ahead of him in the pecking order.
Maxwel Cornet did come on against Aston Villa, featuring for the first time since 1 October due to a calf injury.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Areola; Johnson, Aguerd, Zouma, Emerson; Rice, Souček, Paquetá; Bowen, Benrahma, Antonio.
AEK Larnaca team news
Captain Ivan Trickovski will return up front after Rafa Lopes got the nod in the first leg.
Their top-scorer with 11 though is Omri Altman, two of which came against Dynamo Kyiv in the group phase.
With veteran Bruno Gama out long-term, Marin Jakoliš will continue on the left-wing.
West Ham United vs AEK Larnaca: Head to head statistics
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