So much of West Ham's season and David Moyes' tenure at the club depends on the club's showing in the Conference League Cup semi finals, last year the semi finals were as far as the club could get in the far superior Europa League Cup, failing against the eventual winners.
That tie was essentially all but over before it began as Eintrecht Frankfurt went a goal ahead at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium which left Hammers a mountain to climb that they never quite made in the 2nd leg. In the 'Con Cup' Hammers were always favourites to reach this stage and are seen as favourites for the final should they reach it, but before fans start thinking about how to get hold of any of the club's paltry ticket allocation for the final in Prague it is worth remembering that opponents AK have an extremely good home record in front of their own fans and that anything other than a convincing win by at least a two goal margin will be required in the home leg in London if Hammers are to have any chance of proceeding to the final.
AK will be NO pushovers in either of the games, but it is imperative that Hammers start on the front foot and use what will be a rocking stadium to their advantage much like their opponents will in the 2nd leg. Although not technically safe from relegation the three points garnered against Man U has given manager David Moyes a bit more leeway when it comes to his player selection for the first tie.
With only three league games left to play and only a maximum of three points required from those games, Moyes can effectively use ALL the players at his disposal for the Cup games. Use them he should, because his legacy could well be defined by what is still a significant albeit belittled trophy.
Fielding anything other than a full strength team would be insane, but then again doesn't insanity run through West Ham's thinking? Be there or be square on thursday if you can, if not BT sport will fill your viewing boots, their coverage of Hammers games is always good, it should be because they are based in the same Stadium complex! - LN
Comments
Keeping the full compliment
Keeping the full compliment on the pitch would be handy. Taking any lead to Holland will be good. If AZ have to go searching for goals it will play right into our hands.
Well said Enfield,we win
Well said Enfield,we win tomorrow,we will be in the final.
I've been probably the biggest critic
On here of the new stadium,but if its rocking like it should be,that will be our 12th Man!i just hope we don't go a goal down like the semi,because that proved to me this place will never be a Boleyn ground...hope I'm wrong
As long as we don't need the
As long as we don't need the A to Z to help us find the onion bag..........Taxi!