Michael Owen predicts outcome of West Ham United clash v Frankfurt
West Ham will have to produce a heroic performance away from home to seal a passage to the final of the Europa League.
The Hammers have made life difficult for themselves after losing the first leg 2-1 on their home turf.
Michael Owen is worried that goals have dried out for the Hammers and has predicted a 1-1 draw for this game. It also means the Hammers will lose the tie should his prediction come true.
“That was a frustrating night in London for West Ham last week. Frankfurt are an organised, hard to beat side though and they always looked a threat on the counter through the likes of Kostic and Kamada in particular. They knocked out Barcelona in the last round for a reason,” wrote Owen for BetVictor.
“West Ham will be looking for a similar away trip to the one in Lyon in the last round. They just didn’t threaten Frankfurt enough and the goals seem to have dried up in this side. Aside from Bowen, I worry where the goals are coming from.
“I’d love West Ham to go through, but I fear for them in Germany. Frankfurt have a brilliant support, and this could be a frustrating night in Germany for them. I’m leaning towards a 1-1 draw.”
Another away heroics?
West Ham need to be on top of their game to beat Frankfurt in Germany.
Owen is spot on that the Hammers are not scoring enough, and the club must take a share of the blame for failing to bolster their forward department in January.
The Hammers are heavily reliant on Jarrod Bowen to deliver. And once again, he will be the focal point for the London outfit.
Michail Antonio was axed from the starting line-up against Arsenal, and he is expected to start.
It will be interesting to see how the Hammers approach this game. They just need one goal to level the tie and then can take the game to extra time.
The Hammers aren’t in a good run of form at the moment, but there won’t be a shortage of confidence. They have beaten Lyon 3-0 away from home, and David Moyes will hope his side can do a similar feat again.
In other West Ham news, Tony Cottee lets slip that West Ham have “done a deal” for summer transfer and says it will be “announced soon”.
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