Anderlecht vs West Ham Prediction & Tips
Under-pressure coach Felice Mazzù will be hoping to channel the spirit of UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup winners Anderlecht when they take on West Ham. The Belgians won 4-2 in that final, in what was the only previous meeting between the sides 46 years ago, and the coach could do with a repeat performance after facing criticism for his style of play since taking over in the summer, winning just seven of his 16 games in charge (E2, P7).
Despite that, the Blue and Whites have made a good start in the UECL after reaching the group stage of a European competition for the first time since 2018/19. They beat Silkeborg 1-0 in their opening game before drawing 0-0 with FSCB to move into second place in Group B.
Elsewhere, the Hammers top the group, and despite a difficult start to the season, striker Jarrod Bowen believes his side are primed for a good run after “regrouping” during the international break. A 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday afternoon gave David Moyes’ side a fifth win in their last eight games (E1, P2), with three of those victories coming in the UECL.
This is the best start to a European competition in the Londoners’ history, having now won four consecutive games, in which they scored at least two goals. Last year’s UEFA Europa League semi-finalists have also been solid away from home recently, losing just two of their last nine games in that condition (G5, E2).
Players to watch: Anderlecht defender Jan Vertonghen has never kept a clean sheet against West Ham, but has lost just twice in nine meetings with the Londoners (G5, E2). He will try to stop West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca, who has scored three times in four European appearances, with each goal coming between the 22nd and 25th minute, as well as Bowen, who is one goal away from equalling Johnny Byrne and David Cross as West Ham’s top scorer at European level.
Key stat: Moyes is unbeaten in his last eight away matches in the group stage of European competition.
Anderlecht – West Ham FREE TIPS
OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.25
