WEST HAM UNITED resume their Europa Conference League campaign with a last-16 first leg tie against AEK Larnaca on Thursday evening.
The Hammers don't have their problems to seek domestically, with the pressure heightening on manager David Moyes following a 4-0 mauling at Brighton on Saturday.
It would appear the Scotsman continues to have the backing of the West Ham hierarchy so he will be hoping the Europa Conference League provides a welcome distraction to what has been a pretty miserable season so far.
The Londoners European form has been the only shining light of their season to date so Moyes and Co may look to this game as a possible springboard for the rest of their campaign.
Next up for the East Londoners in their pursuit of Europa Conference League glory is Cypriot First Division leaders AEK Larnaca.
José Luis Oltra's side advanced to the stage of the competition after defeating Dnipro 1-0 on aggregate in the playoff round but this will be their toughest test yet.
Outright Betting
AEK Larnaca have won just one of their last six continental assignments and that is reflected in the odds, with the hosts 9/2 (William Hill) outsiders while the draw is an unfancied 29/10 (UniBet).
West Ham, who boast a 100% record in this season's Europa Conference League, arrive in Cyprus as odds-on 13/20 (Bet 365) favourites.
Betting Angles
Backing the visitors at the above-mentioned price makes little appeal so I'll head to the Bet Builder market and merge West Ham to win and Over Zero AEK Larnaca cards at 4/5 (Bet 365).
Admittedly, with a home game with Aston Villa lying in wait in the Premier League on Sunday, it is difficult to gauge just how strong a team David Moyes will field on Thursday night, however I suspect the Hammers will ultimately have too much class for their Cypriot opponents.
As already alluded to, this competition has offered some respite for David Moyes' men this term and that coupled with their current predicament closer to home should provide them with all the motivation they need to get the job done here.
While AEK Larnaca will smell blood and be hoping they can pile more misery on Moyes, they did only manage to pick one point at home in a Europa League Group that featured Dynamo Kiev, Fenerbahçe and Rennes.
While West Ham are wobbling right now, they are probably a further step-up in class to the aforementioned trio, so much so that I fancy them to leave Larnaca wit a first leg lead, but to round off the Bet Builder, I'll also back the home to pick up at least one booking.
This 4/5 (Bet 365) Bet Builder would have paid out in five of the Hammers' six Group B assignments and I see no reason to oppose the same formula here when faced with a similar standard of opposition.
Given the superior quality in West Ham’s ranks compared to that of their opponents, I’ll also dip into the team goals market and back the visitors to strike at least twice at 17/20 with UniBet.
Moyes' men have made the net bulge a minimum of two times in six of their eight European outings this season so far and another double should achievable at the AEK Arena.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between AEK Larnaca and West Ham United will be played on Mar 9, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best AEK Larnaca vs West Ham United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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