Pundit shares West Ham United ‘crumble’ prediction ahead of Europa League
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 United might “start to crumble” when the Europa League gets underway shortly.
The Hammers will compete in the competition this season after they won the Europa Conference League last season, with Declan Rice, Gianluca Scamacca and Flynn Downes leaving from that squad.
The former Irons striker has suggested that David Moyes does not have a big enough squad to be able to compete on all fronts after a slow start to the window.
As well as their Premier League and Europa League duties, the Hammers will also be taking part in the FA Cup and League Cup, as always.
They have made a fine start to the new league season, drawing 1-1 away to Bournemouth and defeating Chelsea 3-1 at the London Stadium.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “When the Europa League starts, that’s when things for West Ham might start to crumble because they don’t have a big squad.
“With all the games flying in again, it will be interesting.”
West Ham have been busy this summer as manager Moyes tries to find a good squad balance, with the transfer window beginning with the loss of Rice to Arsenal.
Attackers Nikola Vlasic and Gianluca Scamacca have also left the London Stadium permanently, while Manuel Lanzini has moved on following the expiry of his contract.
Downes meanwhile has joined Southampton on a season-long loan, with his temporary exit coming after the Hammers brought in midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez. Joining the duo in moving to East London so far this summer is Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos.
In other West Ham news, Gabby Agbonlahor has named one Hammers player as the “signing of the summer” live on talkSPORT.