- West Ham look to overturn first leg deficit in London Stadium debut
- Matic Crnic double gave Slovenians a 2-1 first leg advantage
- 54,000 crowd expected for first game at Club’s new home
When and where?
West Ham United v NK Domzale
UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round Second Leg
Thursday 4 August 2016, 7.45pm BST
London Stadium
What’s the story?
West Ham United begin life at their new home at London Stadium on Thursday with the second leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie against NK Domzale on Thursday.
The Hammers need to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg to progress to the play-off round of the competition, from which 22 teams will qualify for the group phase.
Mark Noble’s away goal was sandwiched by a double from Slovenia international winger Matic Crnic, and Adrian had to make an outstanding double save near the end to keep the scoreline at 2-1.
With another week’s full training behind them, Slaven Bilic’s men will be confident of giving an improved performance in front of a sell-out 54,000 crowd at their new Stadium.
Since last week’s meeting at Stadion Stozice, Domzale have maintained their undefeated start to their domestic season, coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 with early league leaders Maribor.
They now have five points from three league games, and have defeated Lusitans of Andorra and Belarusian side Shakhtyor Soligorsk to reach this stage of the UEFA Europa League.
Team news
Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins are now back in training with the Hammers, but Thursday’s game against Domzale comes around too quickly for the defensive duo to be involved.
Dimitri Payet will link up with the Hammers later this week, but Aaron Cresswell is out after suffering a knee injury in pre-season.
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is working to bring in a left-back to cover for Cresswell’s injury, but may have to use Sam Byram or Havard Nordtveit in that position on Thursday.
Any links between the two?
Last Thursday’s game was the first meeting between the Hammers and Domzale, but the Slovenian side do possess a former teammate of West Ham keeper Adrian.
Domzale right back Alvaro Brachi learned his football at Real Betis, a year ahead of Adrian in the Seville-based side’s academy and now plies his trade in Slovenia following spells in Greece and Hungary.
How do I get to the game?
The Hammers will play their first game at London Stadium on Thursday and you can click here for all the information you need on how to get to the Stadium.
Supporters attending Thursday’s game should note that they should allow time for security checks when they enter the Stadium, and with turnstiles opening two hours before kick-off, you can soak up the atmosphere with special offers. Click here for full information.
The new, state-of-the-art Stadium Store will be open from 9am up until kick-off, and after the game too. Click here for Store details.
Where can I watch the game?
Thursday night’s match will not be broadcast live in the UK, but you can follow the action on our digital channels with live audio commentary, in-game stats, Social Media updates and more. Head to whufc.com for the Live Match Centre, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.