West Ham United vs Gent betting tips: Europa Conference League quarter-final second leg preview, predictions, team news and odds
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West Ham United vs Gent odds and betting statistics
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West Ham United vs Gent match preview
These two could not be separated at Ghelamco Arena, but there must be a winner as the two reconvene in East London.
West Ham United came into this tie as overwhelming favourites, and duly dominated the first half, taking the lead through Danny Ings, tapping home from mere picometers out after Jarrod Bowen’s pull-back.
But Gent substantially improved after the break, and found a deserved equaliser when Hugo Cuypers cut in on his left foot and lashed beyond Alphonse Areola.
In truth, the Hammers were lucky to leave East Flanders on level terms, with Gift Orban firing a late chance over the bar.
Nevertheless, 1-1 it finished, meaning this second leg is winner takes all.
This is Gent’s first appearance in the quarter-finals of a UEFA competition since 1992, having ousted Qarabağ on penalties and then smashed İstanbul Başakşehir to get this far.
Domestically, Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s team are fourth in the Jupiler Pro League, so must beat already relegated Oostende on Sunday to remain in the top-section of the post-season play-offs.
Before then, can Gent pull off a massive shock and reach the last four?
West Ham United meantime overcame Gent en route to their sole piece of major European silverware, the Cup Winners’ Cup of 1965, hoping to repeat that feat this year.
David Moyes’ men had won all ten Europa Conference League fixtures prior to that draw in Belgium a week ago.
On Sunday, the Irons came from 2-0 down to draw with Arsenal; Saïd Benrahma and Bowen the scorers.
This lifts them up to 15th in the Premier League, four points clear of danger so, with relegation fears somewhat eased, the Hammers can go all in on this tournament.
Will West Ham make home advantage count at the London Stadium?
West Ham United team news
Angelo Ogbonna is suspended, having been shown his third yellow card of the tournament in the first leg.
So, Kurt Zouma will partner Nayef Aguerd at the back.
Alphonse Areola is the usual European goalkeeper, rotated in at Łukasz Fabiański’s expense.
Michail Antonio was back to his brilliant best against Arsenal so he could lead the line, chosen over Danny Ings, after he scored his first-ever goal in UEFA competition in the first leg.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Areola; Coufal, Aguerd, Zouma, Cresswell; Rice, Souček, Paquetá; Bowen, Benrahma, Antonio.
Gent team news
Centre-back Kamil Piątkowski will start after his stoppage time red card was downgraded to yellow by VAR.
Hein Vanhaezebrouck seemingly doesn’t know who his number one goalkeeper is.
Davy Roef, who started the first leg, has made 20 appearances this season, while Paul Nardi, who got the nod on Sunday against Mechelen, has now made 30.
At the other end of the pitch, Gift Orban has been on fire since arriving from Stabæk in January, scoring 14 goals in 14 appearances for Gent.
This includes the fastest-ever hat-trick in UEFA club competition history, netting three times in 205 seconds against İstanbul Başakşehir last month.
Predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Roef; Okumu, Piątkowski, Fortuna; Castro-Montes, Kums, De Sart, Fofana, Hong Hyun-seok; Cuypers, Orban.
