On Thursday night, West Ham and Olympiakos clash at the London Stadium in what could be a crucial game in Group A of the Europa League.
West Ham form guideThe Hammers’ recent poor form continued last time out, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at Brentford. The result means that David Moyes’ team has now suffered four losses in their previous five games in all competitions.
One of the main reasons for the Hammers’ recent poor form is a leaky defence, as the team from the English capital have conceded at least two goals in four of their last six competitive games.
West Ham kicked off their Group A campaign with back-to-back victories over TSC and Freiburg before a 2-1 defeat in Greece in the reverse fixture. The opening two wins have the Irons top of the group. However, a loss in this clash could see the visitors leapfrog them in the table and put their qualification chances in doubt.
One thing that seems to be guaranteed in West Ham’s Europa League games is goals, as five of their last six games in the competition have produced over 2.5 goals.
Olympiakos form guideThe Greek team are currently in third place in the group, trailing the Hammers and second-place Freiburg by two points. Their recent form has been inconsistent, as Diego Martinez’s team have won just two of their previous five competitive games.
Olympiakos have been a tough team to beat in the Europa League lately, as they have lost just one of their last seven games in the competition, having won three of their previous five games. Their recent European games have certainly delivered on goals, with over 2.5 goals scored in their last five matches in the competition.
The visitors are unbeaten in their previous five away games in the Europa League, although they have won just once in the last 11 games away from home.
What am I backing?Both teams have been unconvincing in recent weeks, and this game is difficult to judge. I predict there will be goals in this clash, so I am backing over 2.5 goals scored.
