David Moyes is pleased to have the selection dilemma he faces ahead of West Ham United’s first-ever home game in the UEFA Europa League group stages.
The Hammers’ manager confirmed, in his pre-match press conference, that full-back Ryan Fredericks will be unavailable for Thursday evening’s Group H game at home to Rapid Vienna through injury, having left the field early at Manchester United last week.
Moyes also noted that Fredericks’ replacement that night, Vladimír Coufal, may also be a doubt on Thursday, but otherwise, Moyes is happy to have a fit – and competitive – squad at his disposal for the showpiece occasion.
“Ryan is not available [for Thursday] from his injury,” Moyes explained.
“We've got a bit of a doubt with Vladimír Coufal as well, but apart from that, we're hoping that most people are available and fit.
“I’ve got a really good squad to pick from who are all keen to play and be involved, so we’ve got a good feeling about the team, and hopefully they are all ready to go again."
The Irons are approaching the culmination of a particularly dense autumn fixture schedule which, by the close of this weekend, will have seen them play seven matches in 22 days, spanning five different cities and three different competitions.
They all want to play so it's difficult, but it's also a good position to be in because they're all in good form
David Moyes
Having been on the road last week, facing both Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup and Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League, Moyes has rotated his starting eleven heavily, making ten changes on both occasions and using 21 players in total.
Impressive performances in 1-0 and 2-1 wins respectively will have made Moyes’ decision all the more difficult as to which of his squad will make his starting XI for the visit of Rapid Vienna, the manager admitted.
Moyes noted: “We've got a squad who have shown exactly what they can do, with how well they played at Manchester United in midweek and how well we played at Leeds United away [at the weekend].
"We've used 21 players over the last two games and we’ve got a lot of competition in the squad. They’re all looking to play.
"They all want to play so it's difficult, but it's also a good position to be in because they're all in good form and feel well."
With West Ham United's first European night under the London Stadium lights upon us, you still have the chance to secure your seat for Thursday's game against Rapid Vienna!
