West Ham look to pick up from where they left off in the Europa League as they welcome Rapid Vienna to the London Stadium this Thursday. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

This would be the first-ever European meeting between both sides and we expect to see a game full of top-quality football.

Hammers keen on multiplying their points tally

West Ham featured in European competition for the first time early this month since losing out to Astra Guigru in the 2016 Europa League qualifying stage. They travelled to Croatia to take on Dinamo Zagreb in a match that was expected to be a tough one on the road. However, goals from Antonio and Rice made sure of the points for David Moyes' side. They carried this momentum into their league match at the Elland Road against Leeds United. Antonio, once again, was on the scoresheet in a 2-1 victory for the Hammers. With that victory, they would certainly be a tough nut to crack in their bid to reach the Europa League group stages.

Rapid Wien had to go through the rigorous qualifying stage for a place in the Europa League group stages. However, they didn't get off to the best start as they would lose their first group stage game against Genk. A late Paul Onuachu winner separated both sides with the Belgians leaving Austria with maximum points. A run of just one win in six-game in all competitions means that Kuhbauer's troops aren't in decent form heading into this game and another loss this Thursday could mean they wouldn't see the knockout stages.

West Ham vs Rapid Wien Team News

West Ham possible starting XI:

Areola; Johnson, Dawson, Ogbonna, Masuaku; Rice, Kral; Vlasic, Lanzini, Yarmolenko; Antonio

Rapid Vienna possible starting XI:
Gartler; Stojkovic, Greiml, Hofmann, Ullmann; Arase, Aiwu, Grahovac, Grull; Kara, Fountas

West Ham vs Rapid Wien Prediction: 2-0

THe Hammers, judging by their opening group game, should go a long way in this copetition and given their opponents' terrible form, we see them coasting to a comfortable victory in London.