West Ham expected XI vs Lyon in Europa League: Two big changes and Declan Rice call made

The moment of truth is here for David Moyes and his West Ham side, when they will discover their true strength if they are to progress to the next stage of the Europa League tonight.

Injuries, suspension to a key player and a game that is on a knife edge in Europe.

This is why the big teams love nights like this, and it’s now up to the Irons to respond.

For Lyon, they have the home advantage and experience in the Champions League just two seasons ago, famously knocking out Manchester City at the quarter-final stage.

Moyes can take inspiration from the fact that Lyon have only won one in their last six games, and have three players carrying injuries from their 2-2 draw against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 over the weekend.

The Hammers also surprisingly lost to Brentford and the injury to star defender Kurt Zouma will be one that will test the true character of this team.

But Issa Diop has been waiting patiently for his chance and he now has to step up like Craig Dawson did when Angelo Ogbonna got injured earlier in the season.

West Ham manager David Moyes admitted he had full faith in Diop, given his influential performances in the past.

He said: “He’s come into the team on different occasions.

“There was a period when we relied on him.

“He’s always been there or thereabouts, so hopefully if he gets that opportunity, he’s able to take it.”

The other change should be Arthur Masuaku coming in for the suspended Aaron Cresswell, who was sent off in the first leg.

With progressing to the semi-final likely to be rewarded with a memorable game against Barcelona or Eintracht Frankfurt, here is how we expected David Moyes to set up his team tonight.