Risk v Reward Day?

Key Hammers players are ALL having scans today to ascertain their availability for Thursday evening's Europa League 2nd Leg Cup tie against serial winners Sevilla, the fact that THREE vital players might be unavailable is NOT what fans want to hear, but it is what it is.

There is no respite for Moyes' footballing band of brothers, as they have to take on London rivals Tottingham three days after the Sevilla game in another crucial game that could have far reaching implications towards the end of the season. Finishing above the North London team for a second year in a row would be some achievement, it would of course be more of an achievement if Tottingham weren't such a car crash of a club though!

Irrespective of who or what was responsible for Hammers lack of recruitment during the last window and beyond, the reality is the club finds itself up a creek without a paddle, or between a rock and a hard place if you want to continue with road runner analogies.

Can any of Antonio, Bowen or Cresswell be risked? Are ALL potentially going to miss the match or be on the bench in case of emergency and if so what level of emergency is worth 'triggering' their use? The Europa League DOES represent a genuine opportunity to reach the Champions League, however with a 1-0 goal difference to overturn West Ham will need a massive slice of luck to proceed ANY further.

Likewise the Premier League offers the club European qualification through a top six finish, a position that is tantalisingly close, although ANY thoughts of a top four finish have already been consigned to the 'what might have been' scrap heap. **it or bust is the order of the day, being able to say "I told you so" cuts little credence with real, fans who will be there at a sold out Stratford Stadium to urge their team on, European football under the lights? That was what fans were promised, somehow by hook or by crook that is what they have got, so come on be a Hammer and believe in the unbelievable! - Ed