West Ham United take the trip to Bucharest to face FCSB in the final group stage game of the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night. 

David Moyes' side has already confirmed their place in the last 16 of the competition, but the Scot will want his team to remain unbeaten.

The favourites to win the game, West Ham are in great form against European opponents. FCSB currently sit 7th in the Romanian Liga 1, and like the Hammers, have struggled to score many goals domestically.

West Ham come into this game confident, after putting up a fantastic second-half performance at Manchester United, and having beat FCSB 3-1 in their first meeting. 

  • Team News

FCSB

The home team is without defenders Lucian Cristea, Ionut Pantiru, and Ovidiu Popescu, who are all recovering from knee injuries. The goalscorer against West Ham in the first leg, Andrei Cordea, is expected to start in a front three including Florinel Coman and FCSB's top scorer, Andrea Compagno.

West Ham United

Many young, fresh faces will be involved in Romania; a chance for the academy players to make a big statement for their futures. Moyes has confirmed that most of the first-team squad has been left in East London, in preparation for their Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Faces like Declan Rice, Gianluca Scamacca, and Jarrod Bowen will likely be replaced by Oliver Scarles, Harrison Ashby, and Keenan Forson. 

Maxwel Cornet is still out after injuring his calf in the home leg against FCSB, as is Lucas Paqueta, who is slightly closer to a return. 

  • Likely Lineups

FCSB

Tamovanu; Cretu, Dawa, Temm, Radunovic; Oaida, Edjouma, Olaru; Cordea, Compagno, Coman.

West Ham United

Areola; Ashby, Johnson, Aguerd, Ogbonna, Coufal; Coventry, Downes, Lanzini, Fornals; Mubama

  • Key Players

FCSB

FCSB are likely to look to 24 year-old attacking midfield Darius Olaru for a top performance at the Arena Națională on Thursday night. Olaru is the main source of the Romanian side's assists, and is very flexible in his positioning. 

Nicolae Dică's side will be aware that their opponents are favourite to win, but after scoring a goal against the Hammers in London, may believe they have a greater chance of victory with a home advantage. The front-line will be heavily relied upon to try and beat World Cup winning goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

West Ham United

Angelo Ogbonna will be an important senior figure for the Hammers, who will no doubt captain the side following the absence of Declan Rice. His great experience will be vital to ensure the young Hammers do not become complacent throughout the game. 

Harrison Ashby, if he plays, will also want to show David Moyes the quality he possesses. He narrowly missed the opportunity to join Newcastle United in the summer, after telling Moyes that he wants to play first-team football. Ashby is returning after struggling with a calf injury, and will expect to make an appearance at some point in Romania. 

  • Match Details

Thursday's match-up will be broadcast live to UK viewers on BT Sport 3 from 7.30pm. 

West Ham is also providing a live blog on their website (whufc.com) and their app. 

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