Frank McAvennie hails West Ham fans, predicts scoreline v Genk
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie is thrilled with the carnival atmosphere created by West Ham fans ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Racing Genk.
The Irons will hope to continue their flawless start to their European campaign which has seen them record consecutive 2-0 victories over Dinamo Zagreb and Rapid Wien.
Thursday’s game will take place at the London Stadium, a venue that has been sneered at over the years for its apparent unsuitability for football matches which leaves supporters too far away from the action.
However, ex-Irons hero McAvennie believes fans are making the best of a bad situation, when asked for his prediction for tonight’s clash against Belgian outfit Genk.
“I’m going to go for 3-1, I think it will be a solid one,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“Genk aren’t playing too well at the moment, they’ll be coming to a big stadium, the London Stadium.
“It’s still a big old space but the atmosphere the West Ham fans are creating is just different class now.”
Home comforts
Previously, there were suggestions that the east London club were actually more suited to playing away from home as the pressure at their own ground was too much.
The disdain in which a large section of supporters hold the club’s ownership saw emotions spill over in the past, and many pundits pointed towards a ‘toxic’ atmosphere that held the team back.
But that certainly cannot be levelled against them now with the Irons thriving under David Moyes.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have made contact over this 16-cap centre-forward amid his contract impasse.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.