West Ham vs. Bayer Leverkusen preview: Team news and predicted lineups

Here is our preview of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-finals second leg clash between West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen, including predicted lineups.

After celebrating their first ever Bundesliga title on Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen will need to turn their focus to the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final against West Ham on Thursday evening.

Die Werkself go into the game with one foot in the semifinals, having won the reverse fixture 2-0 at home.

Overturning that against arguably Europe’s most in-form side will be a tall order for West Ham, who are struggling for form and missing a number of key players.

While Leverkusen were celebrating their title triumph, West Ham were reeling from a disappointing 0-2 home defeat to Fulham – hardly the ideal build-up to this fixture.

Lucas Paqueta and Emerson will miss the game through suspension for the hosts, who will also be without George Earthy. Jarrod Bowen, Alphonse Areola and Kalvin Phillips are all doubts. On the positive side for West Ham, Edzon Alvarez returns from suspension.

Leverkusen only have to worry about the absence of Adam Hlozek. The likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Alejandro Grimaldo and Florian Wirtz are expected to return to the starting line-up after being rested against Werder.