West Ham vs AZ Alkmaar: Combined XI

The Hammers are thrilled at the prospect of progressing to the UECL finals, as they host De Kaasboeren

West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar are gearing up for a highly-anticipated Europa Conference League semi-final clash, as they both look to take a step closer to lifting the trophy. With just three matches remaining in the Premier League, West Ham secured a vital 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the weekend, which has all but secured their top-flight status for another season. Meanwhile, AZ are in fourth place in the Eredivisie and will be hoping to maintain their momentum in Europe, after a thrilling victory over Anderlecht in the quarter-finals.

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, we take a closer look at the players who could make the difference in this highly-anticipated showdown. In this article, we present our combined XI for the West Ham vs AZ Alkmaar clash, featuring some of the brightest talents from both sides. With an array of attacking options and solid defensive units, this promises to be a fascinating battle between two evenly-matched teams, who will be desperate to secure a place in the final.

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola (West Ham United FC)

Having arrived from Ligue 1 champs, PSG Alphonse Areola was all set to be the new number 1 at West Ham. But the Hammers have stuck with Lukasz Fabianski on more outings than him. We will let Alphonse Areola get more game, which he deserves in UEFA Europa Conference League. In 10 appearances in UECL, he has managed 5 clean sheets.

Left-back: Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United FC)

The experience of English left-back Aaron Cresswell gives him a start in defence. The 33-year-old has been at the London club from July 2014. David Moyes gave Cresswell 35 appearances in which he served 2,597' minutes on the field. He also has 3 assists.

Centre-back: Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham United FC)

The former Juventus centre-back will slot in at the left side of our centre-back pairing. He hasn't featured much in the Premier League - just 14 out of a possible 35 appearances. But we have seen Moyes rely on the Italian to do the job in Europe.

Centre-back: Pantelis Chatzidiakos (AZ Alkmaar)

Pantelis Chatzidiakos has dual citizenship of Greece and Netherlands. But he sticks with the Greece side at international level. And at the club level, he plays for the Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar. The right footed defender is also good with the ball, as he has 6 assists to his name this season.

Right-back: Yukinari Sugawara (AZ Alkmaar)

The Japanese right-back has been in top form domestically. Yukinari Sugawara has 8 assists and 3 goals in the Eredivisie league. Under Dutch football coach, Pascal Jansen he featured 42 times in all competitions.

Left-midfield: Jens Odgaard (AZ Alkmaar)

The 24-year-old has been in scintillating form this season. AZ Alkmaar acquired Jens Odgaard from the Italian outfit Sassuolo at the start of the 2022-23 season. Having quickly found his feet, Odgaard now nets a goal every 271' minutes on average.

Central-midfield: Declan Rice (West Ham United FC)

West Ham are now way off from the European qualification spot. And a winners medal in UECL will only give them entry to the Europa League. This could see their captain, Declan Rice depart for a UCL outfit. He is rumoured to go for £120m transfer fee.

Central-midfield: Tijjani Reijnders (AZ Alkmaar)

The Alkmaar midfielder will partner Rice in the Centre of the midfield. Tijjani Reijnders is a versatile playmaker. He can provide goals and assists for our side. This season alone, in 49 appearances we saw him hit the back of the net 6 times. And his 9 assists in all competitions is also remarkable.

Right-midfield: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United FC)

The number 20 from West Ham has 11 goals and 7 assists this season. David Moyes has featured in him every Premier League game also. The crafty left-footed winger knows how to boss the attack.

Striker: Vangelis Pavlidis (AZ Alkmaar)

Vangelis Pavlidis is the reason AZ Alkmaar progressed through to the semi-finals in the UEFA Conference League. Although he was subbed off early in the second half due to a niggle - 46' minute to be precise. His brace at the AFAS stadium helped tie the quarter-finals. And Anderlecht were sent back home without celebrating - as Alkmaar eventually won the penalty shootouts after extra time. Meanwhile in a total of 35 appearances, he has scored 22 goals and also leads his team with 10 assists. Only Yukinari Sugawara has 1 more than Pavlidis.

Striker: Michail Antonio (West Ham United FC)

"I don’t think there are many centre-halves that would want to play against Micky Antonio, I think he can be a handful" - David Moyes. Moyes heaped praise for his star striker before they meet Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in Europe.

After a fine Sunday at the London Stadium, Michail Antonio is all set to feature in the semi-finals of the European competition. The UEFA Europa Conference League has already witnessed his flair. In 6 appearances, the Jamaican has 5 goals and 2 assists to his name.