Chris Sutton shares what might suit West Ham in Bayer Leverkusen Europa League prediction
Chris Sutton has insisted Bayer Leverkusen’s style of play under Xabi Alonso could suit West Ham after the Europa League draw set up a quarter-final clash between the sides.
The former Chelsea striker expects David Moyes’ team to sit deep and look to use their pace on the counter-attack in the hope of progressing to the next round.
However, he insisted Leverkusen would put an end to the European run, squashing any hope of a second consecutive European victory after lifting the Conference League last season.
Sutton, writing his prediction for the Daily Mail [Match Day pullout page 11], shared: “The Germans play expansive and entertaining football under Xabi Alonso and will look to control possession.
“That might suit West Ham, who can use the counter-attack and their pace. Despite that, I suspect this is where West Ham’s European adventure will end. Bayer Leverkusen to win.”
West Ham face a tough test against Bayer Leverkusen
There aren’t many more difficult teams to draw in the competition than Leverkusen, and West Ham would have hoped to have avoided them until even later in the competition as beating the current Bundesliga leaders over two legs will prove difficult.
Former Hammers man Frank McAvennie insisted they could go all the way in the Europa League after beating Freiburg in the previous round and with the experience they gained by winning the Conference League last season, but it will be a tough ask.
Given Moyes’ style of play, which perfectly opposes their opponents’, the Hammers certainly stand a chance of recording an impressive victory, but across two legs it could be difficult to hold out against everything thrown at them.
With star men like Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus perfect for playing on the counter-attack with their direct style and pace which has earned them such high praise this season, they will always give their team a chance of victory.
In other West Ham news, a Bayern Munich legend has shared his verdict on the Europa League clash.
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