Viborg welcome West Ham to Viborg Stadion in the second leg of their play-off tie in 2022-23 UEFA Europa Conference League.
Having lost the first leg by a 3-1 result, Viborg realistically need to win by at least three goals and keep a clean sheet to stand any chance of qualifying for the Group Stage.
West Ham meanwhile know that a win or draw would see them through as would a 1-0 loss, although a 2-0 defeat or losing margin of two goals if both teams score would send the tie to extra-time and potentially penalties.
Team News
Daniel Anyembe is a doubt for Viborg after he limped out of the first leg last week with an unspecified injury after just half-a-hour.
Ibrahim Said and Alassana Jatta could feature after their failure to obtain a visa prevented their participation in the first leg in East London.
West Ham manager, David Moyes could hand Emerson Palmieri his club debut here following his £15m move from Chelsea this week.
Craig Dawson is a doubt as he nears full fitness following his recovery from a hamstring injury which has kept him out in recent weeks.
Vladimir Coufal (concussion) is ruled out of this match and joins Nayef Aguerd (ankle) plus Declan Rice (suspension) on the sidelines.
Stat Attack
- Viborg lost their only previous meeting against West Ham – having lost the first leg by a 3-1 result.
- West Ham are visiting Viborg for the very first time in all competitions.
- Viborg are playing host to English opposition at home for the very first time across all competitions.
- Viborg have scored four goals without conceding in two home qualifying matches in this season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.
- West Ham have scored at least twice in four of their last six away matches in all UEFA competitions (W3, D1, L2).
Prediction
With a two goal deficit from the first leg, Viborg face a uphill struggle but can take heart from having not conceded at home so far this season in this competition, because they now need to score at least twice without conceding to take this tie to extra-time at minimum.
West Ham meanwhile continue to be a frustrating team this season because they again lacked a clinical attacking edge in Sunday’s loss to Brighton, whilst their defence were just too slow in their trackback movement so I am hoping to see a reaction here.
The first goal therefore surely will be crucial because if West Ham score then the tie is surely done but if Viborg score, it’s game on but I just can’t see the Hammers losing this if they play like they did in the first leg and rediscover their finishing edge.
Prediction: Viborg 1-2 West Ham
Result: Viborg 0-3 West Ham (West Ham win 6-1 on aggregate!!)
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