Europa League preview: West Ham look to maintain perfect record

Two more English sides are in action on Thursday as West Ham and Leicester City look to claim all three points and continue to push for the last 32 of the Europa League.

We take a look at their two ties below…

Genk v West Ham

Thursday evening sees West Ham return to European action as they travel to Belgium to face Genk, but can David Moyes’ side continue their impressive form in Europe?

The last time West Ham travelled to Belgium in European competition was back in 1964 where the Hammers came out 1-0 victors against KAA Gent. West Ham are priced at evens to defeat Genk and come away from Belgium with their 100 percent record intact. The last time West Ham won consecutive away games in Europe was in 1999 and after defeating Dinamo Zagreb on the first matchday, they have the chance to equal this record on Thursday evening.

Genk lost 3-0 in London when they last faced West Ham and are 14/5 underdogs to come away with all three points this time round. Genk have lost their last four home matches in Europe meaning that it is already their longest ever losing run at home in European competition. Genk have conceded more goals via set-pieces than any other side in the competition this season with four. A struggle could be on the cards for the Belgian side.

Leicester City v Spartak Moscow

Leicester City host Spartak Moscow at the King Power Stadium in a crucial game that the Foxes need to win if they want to keep their last 32 hopes alive.

Leicester have never before played host to Russian opposition in any competition and the reverse fixture was the first time they had faced a Russian side in their history. Leicester’s home record in this season’s competition has not been great having failed to win either of their last two home games, losing to Slavia Prague before drawing against Napoli. Patson Daka netted four times in the last game, becoming the first Leicester City player since 1958 to do so. Daka is priced at 8/11 to find the back of the net once again.

Spartak Moscow won each of their first four games against English sides but are since winless in their last six trips with their most recent loss being a 7-0 drubbing to Liverpool. Spartak are priced as huge 9/1 underdogs to pick up all three points on Thursday, with Leicester 2/7 for the win. After defeating Napoli, Spartak are looking to win consecutive away games in major European competition for the first time since 2011.

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