West Ham vs Freiburg tips and predictions: Hammers to turn tie around in 90 minutes

West Ham face a tough task against Freiburg on Thursday evening as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the Europa League.

Michael Gregoritsch’s goal in the 81st minute was enough to hand the German side a first-leg victory but it could be argued that the wrong team won.

While it was an evenly contested, back-and-forth game, the Hammers created three huge chances before Freiburg had a sniff.

Plenty of half chances came and went for the hosts but Mohamed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, and particularly Lucas Paqueta had golden opportunities to give David Moyes’ side the lead.

The goal that won the day was avoidable as the flat-footed Irons defence admired as the ball flew across the six-yard box before being tapped into an empty net.

West Ham’s domestic struggles have resulted in them winning just one of six at home and two of 12 overall, but their record in Europe is still an impressive one.

It’s also worth remembering this is a team they’ve beaten twice in the group stage this season with the English side recording a 2-0 win at home.

On the other hand, Freiburg’s home form is a lot more convincing than their away form.

They’ve lost one of 12 at home in all competitions, a run which includes a draw with Bayern Munich, but they’ve lost five of their last seven on the road.

The London Stadium is a tough place to play on European nights and this competition is the perfect escape from domestic troubles, and we don’t think West Ham’s journey ends here.

 

Team news

Maxwel Cornet is unavailable while Emerson Palmieri is a doubt.

Bowen is likely to lead the line again with James Ward-Prowse pulling the strings behind him.

Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Kenneth Schmidt, Max Rosenfelder and Noah Weißhaupt are out.

Jordy Makengo and Philipp Lienhart are a doubt.

 

Key stats

- West Ham have won two of three meetings in this year’s Europa League
- West Ham have won all three home matches in this year’s Europa League
- West Ham have lost once at home to teams outside England’s top four in 32 matches
- Freiburg have lost five of their last seven away matches

 

Suggested bets

West Ham -1 Asian handicap

West Ham: Win to nil

Under 2.5 goals