Pundit shares ‘bit the hand off’ David Moyes verdict after West Ham United Europa League draw
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 believes West Ham manager David Moyes will be delighted with the Europa League group stage draw.
The Hammers have been drawn in Group A of the competition alongside SC Freiburg, Olympiacos and Backa Topola.
Their place in the competition comes after they lifted the Europa Conference League trophy last season, having defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in the final.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “They are better than those teams, so they should top the group. That’s what you’ve got to go for, you’ve got to go for the first spot and then you’ll get a better draw in the next round.
“I think if you offered Moyes that draw before it was made he would have bit the hand off you. That’s how you should look at it, the manager will be happy.
“And it’s not too far to travel, so there isn’t much hassle. The more Sundays they play then the better, because that means they are still in Europe.”
The Hammers kickstart their new European campaign with a home meeting against Serbian minnows Backa Topola on Thursday (21 September).
But despite their lack of reputation, at least in European football, the club currently sit top of the Serbian league table, and are unbeaten from their first seven matches.
Their form will undoubtedly force Moyes into taking his opponents very seriously, but at the same time the manager will have his heart set on resting several key players.
Including with the clash against Manchester City last Saturday (16 September), the Hammers have five matches scheduled in the space of 14 days.
In other West Ham news, Moyes has confirmed a start for one Hammers player in their Europa League clash against Backa Topola.