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Michael Owen backs West Ham to beat Frankfurt in 'very even' EL semi-final first leg
Michael Owen believes West Ham will get a positive result in their Europa League semi-final first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Hammers take on the German side on Thursday evening in what promises to be an electric atmosphere at the London Stadium.
David Moyes’ men have been backed by Owen to take a slender lead to Germany for the second leg next week.
Writing on his BetVictor blog, Owen said: “What an occasion this will be for West Ham, the atmosphere will be brilliant and after that thrilling win in Lyon the players must be full of confidence.
“Frankfurt are a good side, and they deserved that 3-2 win in Barcelona, they shouldn’t be underestimated here.
“However, I’ve still got to go for West Ham.”
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He added: “I think this will be a very even leg, but they will edge it 1-0.
Hammers favourites?
It’s hard to look past this West Ham side in Europe at present.
David Moyes’ hard-working ethos, coupled with the immense support they are receiving makes the London Stadium are a tough place to get a result, especially on a European night.
There are obvious injury concerns, particularly in defence, but with the outside chance of Kurt Zouma being available and their previous performance in Lyon with a makeshift back four, they have to be favourites.
Frankfurt are a dangerous side with two or three extremely talented players, such as Rafael Borre and Filip Kostic but as were Sevilla and Lyon, both of whom were dealt with easily by the Irons.
David Moyes’ side are coming off the back of a demolition job of Lyon in France and must be full of confidence.
This coupled with the occasion and the players rested over the weekend makes it hard to disagree with Owen and look past a home win.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes doesn’t consider West Ham ‘favourites’ for Europa League tie v Frankfurt.
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