WEST HAM UNITED look in good shape for another long run in Europe and head into their final Europa League group game against SC Freiburg knowing a draw would be enough to seal top spot and a place in the last 16.
After reaching the semi-finals of this competition this two seasons ago, the Hammers went one better in the Conference League last term when they got their hands on the trophy.
That secured them another crack at Europe's second-tier competition and David Moyes' side have rattled off four wins out of five in Group A, with only setback so far a 2-1 loss in Greece to Olympiakos.
West Ham United's European results probably saved Moyes from the sack last term as poor performances in the Premier League had them battling against the drop for long spells.
That isn't the case this term with the Hammers sitting ninth in the table but they were battered 5-0 by Fulham on Sunday, a shock result that busted the coupon of our man Gabriel.
Moyes will demand a response against SC Freiburg but it won't be an easy game with the Germans chasing the win that would see them leapfrog West Ham United in the group.
Christian Streich's side lost to the Hammers in Germany but have won every other game in the section to underline their quality. They crushed Olympiakos 5-0 in their last Europa League outing and have gone four games without defeat in all competitions.
So Freiburg will head to London with confidence brimming and West Ham will need to be at their best to round off the group with another victory.
How the bookies view it
West Ham's home form in Europe has been excellent so it's no surprise to see them as favourites at a best 5/6 with Matchbook. SC Freiburg are 16/5 shots with most firms and the draw pays the same price with Bet365.
Head to head
That win for West Ham earlier in the group was the first meeting of these sides. But the Hammers don't have a great record against German sides, losing five of their eight clashes in Europe.
Players to watch
Moyes will likely make some changes after his side's insipid display at Craven Cottage. Said Benrahma came off the bench in that loss and could start here, with the Algerian 11/4 at Paddy Power to finally break his duck this season.
Michael Gregoritsch heads to London on a high after netting five goals in his last three games for Freiburg. That hot streak included a hat-trick against Olympiakos and he's 3/1 at BetVictor for another European strike.
Anything else catch the eye?
Freiburg need a win to top the group and the pressure is off for them as they have secured a place in the play-off round at least. That makes me think it could be a decent game as the Germans are unlikely to sit back. Over 2.5 goals pays just 4/6 at Matchbook while BTTS is the same price at Bet365 but if you combine those picks in a bet builder it takes you to 20/21 (Bet365).
We only saw seven corners when these sides faced off in Germany and four of them went to West Ham. That suggests backing the Hammers in that handicap could pay off here and West Ham -1 pays a decent evens at Unibet.
Most goals came after the break when the Hammers won in Freiburg and backing a repeat in this match pays evens with Bet365.
This UEFA Europa League match between West Ham United and SC Freiburg will be played on Dec 14, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs SC Freiburg prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
