Kids to dominate in Bucharest dead rubber

The Hammers are in Bucharest tonight for the final match of their Europa Conference League first phase. Sitting pretty with a 100% record after five straight wins allows Moyes to rest key players ahead of Sunday's Premiership clash with Palace.

All of which will make for an interesting game as the kids get a big chance to strut their stuff. Also, for Ogbonna and Aguerd there will be vital game time as they continue their recovery from injuries.

Ex-WHU emplyee has revealed the likely travelling squad which is thin on experience and may be in for a tough time against the passionate Romanians who proved tough opponents in the earlier clash at the London stadium.

Of note, there is no action for either Lucas Paqueta or Maxwell Cornet, both of whom would benefit from some game time to get back into the groove. Perhaps they are viewed as being better served continuing their recovery back home as at least Paqueta is expected to make a welcome return for the Palace clash.

West ham can become the first team to win all six group matches if they prevail tonight but it could get difficult out there, especially if the Romanians get ahead early as the squad is lacking any depth of exoerience to shore things up if needed. 

It'll be a big night for Conor Coventry and Flynn Downes as they look likely to share defensive midfield duties. With no Scamacca or Antonio it will be interesting to see who Moyes sees as his third choice striker!

Ex-WHU squad for Bucharest: Alphonse Areola, Darren Randolph, Krisztian Hegyi, Nayef Aguerd, Harrison Ashby, Kaelan Casey, Regan Clayton, Vladimir Coufal, Conor Coventry, Flynn Downes, Michael Forbes, Pablo Fornals, Keenan Forson, Ben Johnson, Manuel Lanzini, Divin Mubama, Angelo Ogbonna, Freddie Potts, Oliver Scarles, Kamarai Swyer and Lewis Orford.