Team News: Zouma makes West Ham United debut, Vlašić starts at Dinamo Zagreb

 

Kurt Zouma makes his West Ham United debut in Thursday’s UEFA Europa League Group H opener at Dinamo Zagreb.

The France defender, who signed just ahead of the August transfer deadline, partners Issa Diop in central defence, while Nikola Vlašić also makes his first start in Hammers colours.

The Croatian international, who started his career at Dinamo’s rivals Hajduk Split, will hope to shine back in his home country, and forms part of an attacking trio with Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals in support of Michail Antonio.

Declan Rice skippers the side on the occasion of his 150th West Ham appearance, alongside regular partner Tomáš Souček.

David Moyes makes five changes from the side which drew at Southampton at the weekend, with Ryan Fredericks joining Zouma, Diop, Vlašić and Lanzini as the incomers.

Kick-off is at 5.45pm BST and you can follow the action with our live blog here, on our official mobile app and with audio commentary on both whufc.com and the app.

West Ham United: Fabiański, Fredericks, Zouma, Diop, Cresswell, Rice (c), Souček, Vlašić, Fornals, Lanzini, Antonio
Subs: Areola (GK), Randolph (GK), Coufal, Johnson, Masuaku, Ogbonna, Dawson, Noble, Král, Benrahma, Yarmolenko, Bowen

Referee: Ruddy Buquet (France)

 

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