Olympiacos vs West Ham predictions: Goals could flow in Greece

Jack Ogalbe
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David Moyes takes his West Ham side to Olympiacos on Thursday
David Moyes takes his West Ham side to Olympiacos on Thursday

- Olympiacos lost their previous Group A home game 3-2 to Freiburg 
- West Ham have won both of their Europa League games 
- Recommended bet: Over 3.5 goals

Last season's Europa Conference League winners, West Ham, have made a perfect start to their Europa League return, but face a stern test against Olympiacos on Thursday.

The Hammers beat TSC 3-1 in their first match before winning 2-1 in Freiburg to take control of Group A.

Olympiacos lost 3-2 to Freiburg and played out an eventful 2-2 draw in Serbia against TSC.

Both teams' recent form hints at goals and it could be an entertaining evening in Piraeus.

Team news

Olympiacos will be without Andreas-Richardos Ntoi, who was sent off against TSC last October.

Jackson Porozo looks like his most likely replacement at left-back, while there should also be a familiar face for Premier League fans, with Daniel Podence, on loan from Wolves, expected to start,

The Hammers' only injury worries are Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell (hamstring), although David Moyes may make significant changes as he looks to keep his key players fresh. 

Forward Mohammed Kudus, who boss Moyes has mentioned as a player who could get more minutes after gradually bedding him in following his summer move from Ajax, may also start.

The Ghanaian netted twice in the 3-1 win over TSC, while Lukasz Fabianski is almost certain to get the nod in goal.

The stats

West Ham's last three games in all competitions have seen three or more goals, while 10 of Olympiacos' last 11 matches have also seen three or more.

The Hammers are unbeaten in their last 17 European outings, a record for an English club, although Manchester City could equal that tally when they face Young Boys in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The clubs previously met in the second round of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1965-66. West Ham won 4-0 at home, before the pair played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Greece.

Olympiacos have been entertaining to watch under Diego Martinez
Olympiacos have been entertaining to watch under Diego Martinez

Prediction

West Ham's four-game unbeaten run in all competitions was abruptly ended by Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa.

Moyes will look to pick his team up for Thursday's game against an Olympiacos side in need of a result as they look to prolong their participation in this competition beyond Christmas.

It will not have escaped home boss Diego Martinez that the Londoners have not kept a clean sheet in their last three games and he will be looking for his side to punish any slip-ups from what could be an unfamiliar Irons back-line.

By the same token, the visitors are also likely to have forwards looking to prove a point as they push for selection in time for Sunday's game against Everton.

The statistics hint at an open game at the Karaiskakis Stadium and goals could be on the agenda.

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Tags

Europa LeagueOlympiacosWest Ham United