UECL Semi-Finals Second Leg: West Ham vs. AZ Alkmaar

Start Time: 2:00 p.m. CST on May 18, 2023

Location: AFAS Stadion

FanDuel Betting Odds: West Ham +160; Draw +230; AZ Alkmaar +165

West Ham (15th in the Premier League); Manager: David Moyes

Recent Results: 0-2 loss vs. Brentford (Premier League); 2-1 win vs. AZ Alkmaar (Europa Conference League); 1-0 win vs. Manchester United (Premier League).

AZ Alkmaar (4th in the Eredivisie); Manager: Pascal Jansen

Recent Results: 5-1 win vs. FC Emmen (Eredivisie); 1-2 loss vs. West Ham (Europa Conference League); 0-0 draw vs. Ajax (Eredivisie).

FotMob Projected Lineups:

West Ham will look to reach its first major European final in over 40 years on Thursday when they take on AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the UECL semi-finals. The Hammers lead 2-1 on aggregate heading into the matchup.

It wasn't long ago when West Ham was in a European semi-final. Last season, the Hammers topped its Europa League group, took down the competition's giants Sevilla in the round-of-16, sent Lyon packing in the quarter-finals, and were matched up with Eintracht Frankfurt in the semis.

Despite a first-leg defeat, the Hammers came in with confidence to the second fixture against Frankfurt. But quickly all hope was lost for West Ham at the Waldstadion.

Aaron Cresswell picked up a deserved red card in the 17th minute, and Frankfurt completely controlled the match from that point. The German side went on to win the competition, rubbing salt in the wound.

On Thursday, this group has the chance to right the wrongs of last season, even if it's in another competition. Throughout this season, supporters have generally dismissed the UECL. Our competition in the group stage was subpar to be nice, and it's taken until the semi-finals to face off against a real opponent (thanks Premier League TV money).

This season has been a complete nightmare, and to think we could leave it with a European trophy (and Europa League for next season) is fantastic. Who knows, that could be enough to convince Rice to stick around for another year at the bowl.

This fixture has MASSIVE implications for the future of the club, and to say I'm nervous would be an understatement. Paqueta and Antonio are back, as Moyes will field a full-strength side.

Does it worry me that Alkmaar is unbeaten in their last 25 UEFA games at home (W17, D8)? Absolutely. Am I concerned that some of their better players are returning to the lineup? Also yes.

I have no doubt this will be a tense match for both sides. Alkmaar showed their quality in the first leg, and are worthy opponents at this stage in the competition. However, I have a gut feeling this is West Ham's moment to advance to the highest stage of this competition.

Europa Conference League Semi-Finals Prediction: West Ham 1 AZ Alkmaar 0

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