Having ground out a draw against Lyon at the London Stadium last week after playing for more than 45 minutes with 10 men, Michail Antonio posted a message of confidence and belief ahead of the second leg on Thursday night.
However, the Hammers will not be at full strength as first choice centre back Kurt Zouma, who has started all of West Ham’s knockout Europa League fixture this season, has been ruled out of the tie after sustaining an ankle injury during Sunday’s away defeat to Brentford. West Ham did not appeal Aaron Cresswell’s ‘soft’ dismissal from the first leg so he remains suspended and is unavailable for selection.
Lyon also have a number of injury scares to contest with as during their last league match, a 1-1 draw away at Strasbourg, on Sunday afternoon three of their players left the field due to injuries: Goalkeeper Anthony Lopes who made a string of fine saves in the first leg, attacking midfielder Houssem Aouar and Thursday night’s equalising goalscorer Tanguy Ndombele.
With the tie finally balanced this winner takes all match will be one not to miss.
