West Ham United result v Freiburg ‘crucial’ for Premier League rivals – BBC Sport journalist
The result of the West Ham game against Freiburg could be crucial in deciding which country receives an extra European spot next season, according to Simon Stone.
Writing on the BBC Sport website on Wednesday (13 March), the journalist said it’s not just the Hammers’ season that hinges on the outcome of the Europa League second leg, with Tottenham, Aston Villa, Brighton, Wolves, Newcastle United and Chelsea all paying close attention to the result.
He revealed that two extra Champions League places will go to the best-performing leagues in Europe next season due to the expansion of the competition, meaning the Europa League and Europa Conference League spots could be available to Premier League sides further down the table.
With Italy and Germany currently occupying the top two spots ahead of England in Uefa’s coefficient rankings at the start of this week, Stone added that the Irons’ clash against the Bundesliga side on Thursday (14 March) is a “very big game” at the London Stadium.
West Ham could record huge win for Premier League
There is clearly an awful lot riding on the tie from not just a West Ham perspective but for several of their Premier League rivals as well.
It takes quite a unique scenario for Tottenham fans to be hoping the Hammers secure a win, but that is the position they find themselves in as we could help them earn a place in the Champions League next season.
The first-leg defeat against Freiburg probably didn’t do England’s coefficient any favours, but there is a chance for us to put that right at the London Stadium.
While it would take a big effort to go all the way in the competition this year, helping out the coefficient could be vital in securing our place in Europe again next season as we currently find ourselves in 7th place in the Premier League.
David Moyes will have his full focus on securing a place in the quarter-finals, though, and there is no reason why we can’t do it after beating the German side twice already during this campaign.
In other West Ham news, sources have claimed a Premier League manager is now in the frame to replace Moyes.
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