David Moyes’ West Ham United will be hoping to inject some positivity into their season with a strong showing in the Europa Conference League – first, they’ll need to get past AEK Larnaca on Thursday evening.

The Hammers have three first-team players who look set to miss out on the game against the Cypriot side. They are former Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, Michail Antonio and Vladimir Coufal.

Of these three, Antonio has the best chance of playing – however, it’s likely he will be rested for this game. He does not need to be rushed back – the last thing West Ham need is for him to re-aggravate his calf problem.

In the first leg, West Ham emerged victorious by a score of 2-0. Antonio scored a first-half brace to stun Lacarna, who failed to muster a response – despite having 14 corners to West Ham’s zero. Antonio’s goals were assisted by Said Benrahma and former Chelsea academy product Declan Rice.

West Ham aren’t having the best of seasons in the Premier League so far, as they sit in 17th place at this current moment. Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has come under scrutiny on several occasions for his negative tactics and perceived inability to secure results.

Despite this, it may all be water under the bridge if the Irons can win the Europa Conference League. The Hammers have not won a major trophy since 1980 – it would be a brilliant way to break their duck.