UECL Semi-final 2022-23: West Ham vs AZ Alkmaar: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Dutch side sitting at 4th in Eredivisie ready to visit the 15th in Premier League

West Ham have suffered this season in the Premier League, as they currently sit in 15th position. But Fans weren't let down by David Moyes as the Hammers secured all three points against high-flying Manchester United. The strongest squad on paper will be eagerly awaiting at the London Stadium as they host AZ Alkmaar for the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final tie.

While Alkmaar progressed nimbly through the quarterfinals on penalties. West Ham moved swiftly past K.A.A. Gent with 5-2 on aggregate. West Ham's Premier League season has been a disaster, and David Moyes could be shown the door by the end of the season. But he still can prove his worth by winning the UECL competition and giving fans hope for even more.

Although West Ham is the stronger team, nothing is for granted in football. AZ Alkmaar has already shown that they can cause upset when they defeated Italian side Lazio 4-2 on aggregate. Let's have a look at the intriguing details for fans watching the game from all over the world through television and streaming platforms:

Kick-Off:

Thursday, 11 May 2023 at 19:00 UTC

Friday, 12 May 2023 at 12:30 AM IST at London Stadium.

Form

West Ham (in all competitions): W-L-L-L-W

AZ Alkmaar (in all competitions): D-W-W-W-L

Players to Watch

Declan Rice (West Ham)

The home crowd will be cheering on their star player. The Hammers have time and time again seen the imperial quality Declan Rice brings to the table. He had dominated the midfield against Manchester United and was toe to toe with Casemiro in every battle for the ball. The England international could be poised for a move in the summer, many pundits describe him as simply world-class. West Ham FC's captain has enough qualities to strike a goal for himself or create an opportunity for his mates.

Vangelis Pavlidis (AZ Alkmaar)

The Greece international is being eyed by German side Borussia Monchengladbach, but he has a contract until June 2025. Vangelis Pavlidis has surely caught the attention of many clubs with his 22 goals and 10 assists contribution towards his club. AZ Alkmaar will rely on Pavlidis, as he already has 5 goals in the bag in UECL across 5 matches.

Match Facts

• The London club is yet to face the Dutch side in any competition
• If West Ham progresses to the finals and wins the UECL, they get a spot in the Europa League - although standing at 15th in Premier League
• If AZ Alkmaar progresses and wins the UECL, this will mark the first European trophy in their clubs history

Injury & Team News

West Ham fans will be without Kurt Zouma, while Vladimir Coufal and Gianluca Scamacca also remain out injured.

In the cause for the Dutch, the likes of Sem Westerveld, Bruno Martins Indi, Dani de Wit, and Jesper Karlsson will miss out on traveling to the London Stadium - as they are injured and doubtful to return this season.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 0

West Ham wins – 0

AZ Alkmaar wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineup

West Ham predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Areola(GK), Kehrer, Aguerd, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Soucek, Rice, Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma, Antonio

AZ Alkmaar predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Ryan(GK), Sugawara, Beukema, Hatzidiakos, M. de Wit, Clasie, Reijnders, D. de Wit, Mijnans, Brederode, Pavlidis

Match Prediction for West Ham vs AZ Alkmaar

The home side West Ham will have an edge in the battle, given they have the strongest squad on paper in UECL. They come off from a massive win against Manchester United which might have secured their PL status. Although the team was relegation-threatened domestically, now David Moyes will have a point to prove as they look to progress to the finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League. The Dutch side on the other hand held AFC Ajax to a 0-0 draw and stands at 4th in Eredivisie. And given they have beaten a side like Lazio. The prediction can't be drastically one-sided.

Prediction: West Ham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar

Telecast

India – Sony Sports Network. SonyLliv

UK – BT Sport, BT Sports App

US – CBS, Univision, TUDN

Nigeria – No telecast