Two comeback wins have put West Ham in a strong position at the top of Group B of the UEFA Europa Conference League. They will travel to Belgium, to face what is expected to be their toughest challenge of the group.
Anderlecht dropping points in Romania, against FCSB, means that the two teams are separated by two points, going into their back-to-back meetings this and next week.
A disappointing start to The Hammers' Premier League campaign took a positive turn at the weekend, with their 2-0 win at London Stadium, against Wolves. With the much-needed positive result, they departed the relegation zone and will aim to look towards the higher parts of the table. West Ham remain just four points off of seventh place - the mark of their impressive finish last season and another potential spot in Europe.
For Anderlecht, it has also been an underwhelming start to their domestic campaign. A home loss against Charleroi on Sunday means that tomorrow's hosts are currently in the bottom half of the Pro League.
With top spot meaning one less knockout round game to play come spring time, it is vital for West Ham to aim to win the group.
Team News
Anderlecht
Anderlecht's only injury issue is midfielder Adrien Trebel - who has been out with a shoulder injury since August.
Regarding team selection, Yari Verschaeren - one of Anderlecht's most promising players, missed out on the starting 11 in both of the group games, so far. The young midfielder should make his maiden Europa Conference League start tomorrow.
Wolves loanee, Fabio Silva, has scored the Belgian side's only goal of the group. It remains to be seen whether he will be partnered by the experienced Lior Refaelov, or Inter Milan loanee, Sebatiano Esposito.
The Anderlecht backline will also feature players of Premier League heritage, with Jan Vertonghen and Wesley Hoedt expected to make up two thirds of the central defensive unit.
West Ham
Maxwel Cornet was forced off during the first half of Saturday's Premier League win over Wolves, with a lower leg injury. He is unlikely to be risked tomorrow, with his fitness being monitored.
In more positive news, full-back Ben Johnson has returned to training after recovering from a thigh problem.
Nayef Aguerd continues to work his way back from his ankle injury, suffered during pre-season. A competitive debut for West Ham may be expected prior to the World Cup, which Aguerd is be expected to take part in - as part of the Morocco squad.
West Ham's squad depth means that many of the first-team regulars could earn a rest. The likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Emerson, Vladimir Coufal, Flynn Downes, Pablo Fornals, Manuel Lanzini, Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio are all able to come into the 11, after missing out in the previous league game.
Predicted Lineups
Anderlecht
(3-5-2) van Crombrugge; Debast, Vertonghen, Hoedt; Murillo, Diawara, Ashimeru, Amuzu, Verschaeren; Refaelov, Silva.
West Ham
(4-2-3-1) Areola, Coufal, Dawson, Ogbonna, Emerson; Rice, Downes; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio.
Key Players
Anderlecht - Jan Vertonghen
The former Tottenham man joined Anderlecht this summer - leading to his first professional appearances in the Belgian top division.
The 35-year-old has an impressive 141 international caps to his name for the Belgian national team - the country's record holder.
From his time in North London, Vertonghen will be no stranger to matches against West Ham. His experience and ability at the heart of defence will be an important factor in Anderlecht picking up positive results this and next week.
West Ham - Michail Antonio
A refreshed Michail Antonio will hope to be able to have a similar impact, as he did in his only other UECL appearance.
On the opening night of the group stage, Antonio came on at half-time and put in a player of the match performance, rounded off by a late goal to seal a 3-1 win against FCSB.
Gianluca Scamacca is likely to earn a rest and be kept in shape for a start against Fulham, on Sunday. Which would present Antonio with the chance to lead the line, tomorrow.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game will take place at Lotto Park, in Anderlecht.
What time is kick-off?
This match is one of the early kick-offs of Thursday's European schedule. It is set to kick-off at 17:45 BST.
How can I watch?
The game is scheduled to be broadcasted in the U.K. on BT Sport 2.
