David James makes West Ham Europa League prediction
David James believes West Ham are ‘more than capable’ of winning the Europa League, but admits any major injuries will be ‘difficult’ to deal with.
The Hammers progressed to the quarter-finals of the tournament thanks to a win over Sevilla in extra-time at the London Stadium, and now face a two-legged clash with Ligue 1 side Lyon in the last eight.
After defeat to Spurs in the Premier League last time out, top four now looks like a long shot but former England goalkeeper and BBC pundit James told GGRecon they will now target fifth and there’s no reason they can’t win the Europa League.
“We often talk about it in football about what a club’s real focuses are,” he said.
“I don’t think for one minute that David Moyes is going to come out and claim that the club are no longer going to push to get in the top four this season, but the defeat to Tottenham on Sunday has made the target so much more difficult to achieve.
“They’ll still be focused to finish fifth so they can at least obtain a place in the Europa League for next season.
“The main focus now for the club I believe appears to be winning the Europa League this season.
“Jarrod Bowen being out is a big miss, but if they can get a fully fit squad back together then why can’t they win it? West Ham are more than capable.
“When your key players aren’t available then that causes more of a problem to West Ham than it does for the bigger clubs. I’m a West Ham fan so I can’t say that they can’t win it. It’s not going to be easy, but if anyone can do it then why can’t it be David Moyes?
“The environment is good at West Ham. They look confident despite the loss at the weekend.”
All or nothing
After a brilliant season for the Hammers so far, it would be a huge shame if they ended up completely empty handed at the end of it.
But that’s the scenario they face if they fail to secure the Europa League trophy this season, with the top four looking way out of their reach now.
Moyes has got the side currently in seventh place, six points behind Arsenal having played two games more than them. But they’re potentially just four positive results away from a Europa League final and a huge acheivement.
Winning the tournament would not only be a first trophy since 1980, it would also be an alternative path into the Champions League with the holders getting an automatic place.
Injuries and form are certainly going to play a part in their progress, but the club will be confident they can do it regardless of that because of the team spirit and unity built within the squad.
In other West Ham news, View: West Ham should sell multi-million pound ace this summer against fans wishes