Will It Be Borussia Or Barca?

Borussia Dortmund play Napoli, while Barcelona match up against Rangers on Thursday evening to decide which of the clubs progress to the knock out stages of the Europa League Cup, at which point previous group winners including West Ham are put into the hat for the 1/4 finals draw.

The fact that Dortmund play Napoli means that at least one 'big hitter' will not even make the cut! Ironically Hammers fans will be hoping that Barca can triumph over Rangers, in order that the Catalan club can be in the mix for the next round 'proper', all of you who have mocked 50/50 scarves in the past prepare to eat some 'umble pie if Hammers do end up being drawn against Barcelona, there will certainly be big dollops consumed at the Org, as multiple 'brown envelope' purchases would be the order of the day, NOT that type of anonymous' package all ye of dirty minds, just because the club is part owned by people who made their stack in the soft porn business, it doesn't mean EVERYTHING connected to the club is tainted.

The benefit of winning the initial group stage is plain to see, as Hammers will have avoided playing an extra two games right in the middle of the club's desperate attempt at holding on to a top spot in the Premier League. To see clubs like Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio ALL having to play a two-legged qualifier, JUST to be in the same pot as West Ham shows how phenomenally well David Moyes and his team player during the first part of the season, before the momentum shattering International break, after which Hammers form fell off the cliff.

Waiting to see Tee Irons play European fixtures on the TV or in person is a very unique experience for almost every living Hammers fan, so long has it been, the situation is even more unique in that fans can watch Thursday's games and the corresponding return fixtures safe in the knowledge that Hammers are already through.

This is the team's reward for all the effort put in at the beginning of the season, perhaps the players and staff should remember just HOW good the performances were in an attempt to reboot the team's current lack of form and use those results as a source of inspiration moving forward, enjoy tomorrow night's football as you ponder which club will have to face the mighty Hammers! - LN