Olympiacos UEL opponents preview: West Ham United

Olympiacos UEL opponents preview: West Ham United

By Nikolas Fil,

 

Olympiacos are set to face Europa Conference League winners West Ham. 


Today we are going to preview Olympiacos’ clash with the Hammers, whilst also look at key players from West Ham’s squad, including their strengths and weaknesses.


Despite selling Declan Rice to Arsenal for a record 105 million pounds fee, the Hammers re-invested the money into the squad signing some quality players like Mohamed Kudus, Edson Alvarez and our compatriot Konstantinos Mavropanos.


Manager: David Moyes



David William Moyes is a Scottish football manager. Former footballer with a huge career at Dunfermline Athletic between 1990 and 1992 making 103 appearances scoring 12 goals as a CB. In his managerial career he has managed Everton, Sunderland, Real Sociedad and also had a brief spell at Manchester United following Fergie’s retirement. Known for his counter-attacking football style, Moyes mastered his side’s style of play last season resulting in West Ham’s first european trophy in 40 years.


Despite almost getting sacked last season, Moyes’ West Ham comfortably avoided relegation from the Premier League.


Tactical approach


West Ham’s style of play is simple counter-attacking football, letting the other team have the possession and then hitting them on the break. In the first 2 PL games of the season, West Ham beat Chelsea and Brighton despite having 23% possession and combined 24 shots in both fixtures. 


Olympiacos must be very careful defending set-pieces as well. The signing of James Ward-Prowse not only makes them dangerous from Free kicks, but also from corners having scored 2 goals in 3 games, Dinos, Aguerd and Zouma are the ones to watch in this situation for the Hammers.


Star Player:Lucas Paqueta



Lucas Paqueta is a 26 year old Brazilian footballer who plays as a CAM. He began his career at Flamengo in 2016 before moving to Milan in 2019, where he made 37 appearances, scoring once. He moved to England and the Hammers in 2022 after 2 years in Lyon making 67 appearances, scoring 18 goals, for a fee of 43 million euros. 


Currently he has a value of 45 million euros. He is West Ham’s most valuable player, most certainly being the main man for them with every chance starting from him.


Past meetings



Olympiacos and West Ham have faced each other in the past, more specifically in 1965/66 season in the Cup Winners Cup round of 16. The Hammers coming out victorious in London winning 4-0 and drawing 2-2 in Greece a week later.

 

Hellas Football


Follow @BVBNikolas

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