FCSB v West Ham: Hammers look to maintain perfect Group B record

Those goals tripled their tally for the group stage so they’re finishing with something of a flourish, although they’ve lost each of their last five meetings with English clubs, including 3-1 to West Ham United in September.

A 5-0 UECL hammering by Silkeborg remains their only defeat in six home matches (W2, D3) so they ought to be more competitive here, but with their UECL fate sealed, head coach Nicolae Dică might rotate his squad, especially given they are 17 points adrift of Liga 1 leaders Farul Constanţa and their priority now must be ensuring qualification for Europe next term.

West Ham have been a cut above the rest of this group (W5) and will be targeting a clean sweep having guaranteed their place in the knockouts.

However, David Moyes’ side will have one eye on the three Premier League games they must play before the World Cup so expect him to give some fringe players an opportunity - as he did against Silkeborg last week (W 1-0).

Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, their fifth consecutive game to feature under 2.5 goals (W2, D1, L2), left them in mid-table although Moyes wasn’t too unhappy, saying: “I don’t think we could have done much more”.

With their last two away victories (D1, L4) coming in Europe, the Hammers have fared better the further they’ve travelled of late!

Players to watch: Andrei Cordea (23) scored for FCSB against West Ham in matchday one with one of his seven competitive goals to arrive after the 25th minute this term.

Meanwhile, FCSB need to be disciplined in their own box as both of Manuel Lanzini’s (29) goals this term for West Ham were first-half penalties in the UECL.

Hot stat: Despite four attempts, West Ham have never previously won in Romania (D1, L3).