WEST HAM UNITED marched all the way to the Europa League semi-finals last season but now find themselves in UEFA's third-tier competition as they kick off in the Conference League with a play-off against Viborg.
The Hammers will be hoping to put some disappointing domestic results behind them when they embark on another European adventure against the Danish minnows.
Starting the Premier League campaign at home to Manchester City was always a tough ask for David Moyes' men but they would have expected to avoid successive defeats when they travelled to Nottingham Forest.
Despite dominating that game, poor finishing and some inspired goalkeeping saw Forest claim a 1-0 win, leaving West Ham with no points and no goals after two games.
They will need to start scoring if they want to enjoy another memorable run in Europe, with Viborg dangerous opponents as they have played seven more competitive games than the Hammers in the new season.
The Danes have already seen off Suduva and Torshavn (below) in the qualifiers and have won seven of their nine games so far at home and in Europe. West Ham are a big step up in class though and visa issues have robbed the Danes of some players so Moyes will be confident this tie can help his side kickstart their campaign.
How the bookies view it
It's no surprise to see West Ham United as heavy favourites and their best price is just 1/4 at Bet365. Viborg are as big as 12/1 at Ladbrokes and even the draw pays a huge 5/1 at Betfred.
Head to head
These sides have never played each other in European competition and this will be West Ham's first game against any Danish team.
Players to watch
Moyes could hand big summer signing Gianluca Scamacca his first start after bringing him off the bench in their first two Premier League games. The big Italian netted 16 times for Sassuolo last term and is 6/5 at Paddy Power to open his Hammers account here.
Clint Leemans has stepped up in big games for Viborg this term, netting twice in a league win over Copenhagen and scoring another in Europe against Torshavn. The Dutch midfielder is 17/2 at Unibet for a goal in London.
Anything else catch the eye?
Slips Tips was left frustrated by West Ham's finishing on Sunday as their blank at Forest busted his BTTS bet. But the Hammers were desperately unlucky in that game, heading the woodwork, missing a penalty and having a goal controversially ruled out by VAR. If they keep creating chances the goals will come and over 2.5 West Ham strikes pays 11/10 with Bet365 here.
Moyes has his defence well drilled and that makes a Hammers win to nil worth a shout against limited opposition. That bet pays evens with Unibet.
Backing Viborg players for cards is another decent option and Slovenian stopper Zan Zaletel is 7/2 at Bet365 for a second yellow of the season.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between West Ham United and Viborg will be played on Aug 18, 2022 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Viborg prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
