Thursday evening's Europa League Cup game against Rapid Vienna represents a truly unique opportunity to watch the Irons, WITHOUT drowning in anxiety! That is how a lot of fans feel isn't it? A feeling of joy mixed with a healthy dose of dread and fear as the game gets under way, questioning why you buy a season ticket just to put yourself through a state of high anxiety.
Things have been different since the resurrection of the Moyesiah, but still it is ingrained in West Ham's DNA to take fans on a roller coaster of emotion, it's one aspect of the club that attract and annoy in equal measure. Even though results have picked up exponentially, there is still always that nagging doubt that the old West Ham will resurface, painfully.
So it is with extreme delight that fans can look forward to a game that doesn't feel like it has the entire weight of the world depending on the result, it's a GROUP stage match. For once it is possible to go to the game knowing if things go belly up, that there is a very strong chance they can be put right. Hammers were fortunate to avoid the competition's 'group of death', instead being drawn in a relatively easy group, with Dinamo Zagreb seen as the toughest competitor.
David Moyes has the luxury of being able to pick a starting line up to 'do a job', while retaining his 'big guns' should it prove necessary to use them. He will also get to utilise fringe players and give new signings the chance to shine, including giving Nikola Vlasic another run out as he gets up to the team's speed.
This is the first time it has been possible to attend a home game in over 15 years when the outcome isn't the be all and end all, of course no one wants the club to lose, but to have another 'crack' in the bank will make for a much more enjoyable less stressful evening, for some more than others. This unique set of circumstances is a reward for last season's efforts, !t's what other clubs' fans have experienced year on year, Hammers might be late to the table, but it doesn't mean fans are not entitled to the relief and joy that comes with the lack of jeopardy associated with group stage competition.
This is what David Moyes said about team selection in his presser ahead of the game, "We've got a squad who have shown exactly what they can do with how well they played in Manchester and in Leeds. We've probably used the best part of 20-22 players in the last two games. They all want to play so it's difficult, but it's a good position to be in because they're all in good form and feel well."
Enjoy it, embrace it, it is unique! - Ed
