As Bayer Leverkusen and the powerful Irons get ready to face off in the crucial first leg of the Europa League quarterfinal this evening, fears about injuries hang over them.

Leverkusen defeated Union Berlin over the weekend, but it wasn’t without a price. Due to an ankle injury, promising attacker Adam Hlozek will miss both legs of the match against West Ham. Nathan Tella, another forward, is also questionable following a knock.

Tella’s starting spot is anticipated to go to Jeremie Frimpong, while Arthur is still out due to fitness concerns. Although the risky Victor Boniface’s injury recovery is encouraging, he might not be prepared for a starting position just yet. Patrik Schick’s arsenal will be crucial to Leverkusen’s ability to continue being a threat on the attack.

A Significant Setback for West Ham’s Attack

David Moyes, the manager of West Ham, is experiencing similar injury problems as Xabi Alonso, but things seem worse for him. Jarrod Bowen, the Hammers’ star forward and main architect of their attacking scheme, was taken off due to “severe” spinal bruising and is unlikely to play. Edson Alvarez is suspended, and midfielder Alphonse Areola is still out with a groyne injury but may be tested late.

Moyes’s Tactical Turns: Hazardous Bet or Formation Shift?

On loan from Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips seems like the obvious choice to take Alvarez’s position. Mr. Moyes, please don’t even consider it! Therefore, it is possible that tactical adjustments will need to be made, and the Hammers may decide to go to a three-man backline.

Expected lineups:

Hradecky, Kossounou, Tah, Hincapie, Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo, Wirtz, Adli, Schick are the Leverkusen players.

West Ham: Kudus, Paqueta; Antonio; Cresswell, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Emerson; Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos; Fabianski