WEST HAM UNITED fans are dreaming of Europa League glory but this semi-final is no gimme against an Eintracht Frankfurt side who dumped tournament favourites Barcelona in the last round.
The Hammers are enjoying another fantastic season under Davie Moyes and it would be fitting if they could crown it by lifting a European trophy.
Having taken care of serial winners Sevilla and a dangerous Lyon side, West Ham are favourites to see off the Germans and line up a final against either Rangers or RB Leipzig.
Hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League appear to be dead and buried after a last-gasp loss to Chelsea in a game where my 4/1 card bet came up.
So it's all about the Europa League now for the Hammers and it's a similar story for Eintracht Frankfurt as they sit mid-table in the Bundesliga with nothing to play for domestically.
Frankfurt's Euro wins over Real Betis and Barcelona have been all the more surprising given they're on a dreadful run in German football that has seen them go five games without a win.
Now boss Oliver Glasner will be hoping the big stage brings his side back to life as they bid to dump West Ham and reach their third major European final.
How the bookies view it
West Ham United are odds-on favourites to reach the final at a best 8/13 with VBet but you can back them at evens with QuinnBet for a win in this first leg which looks good value.
Eintracht Frankfurt are 13/4 at Unibet for a win in London and 13/8 with Betfred to qualify while the first-leg draw pays 13/5 at Unibet.
Head to head
These sides have faced off just once in Europe before and it was West Ham who came out on top in the Cup Winners' Cup semi-final back 1976. After a 2-1 loss in Germany, the Hammers turned things around with a 3-1 victory at Upton Park, only to lose to Anderlecht in the final.
Players to watch
Jarrod Bowen will be fresh for the Hammers after Moyes rested him against Chelsea and only brought him on for the last 15 minutes. The striker has scored in last two Euro outings and is 43/20 at Unibet for anytime scorer.
Rafael Santos Borre should lead the line for Eintracht Frankfurt and will be hoping to repeat his goal at the Nou Camp. The Colombian is 49/20 at Unibet for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams are missing key defenders, with Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma sidelined for West Ham and Eintracht Frankfurt losing Obite Evan Ndicka to suspension. That points to goals, along with Eintracht's recent record as they have conceded twice in their last four outings.
Backing West Ham for over 1.5 goals pays evens at Paddy Power and that looks worth a punt, along with over 2.5 match goals at 19/20 with QuinnBet.
I cashed in by betting on Moyes' men in the corner handicap against Lyon and I'm going for the same market again here, with West Ham -1 paying evens at BetVictor.
This UEFA Europa League match between West Ham United and Eintracht Frankfurt will be played on Apr 28, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Eintracht Frankfurt prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
