Tony Cottee has lifted the lid on his wild West Ham dream ahead of the do-or-die second leg against Bayer Leverkusen.
West Ham might need to enlist the help of Tom Cruise as they face what many feel is a mission impossible against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Hammers have the daunting task over overturning a 2-0 deficit against the newly-crowned German champions in the Europa League quarter-final second leg.
West Ham will be hoping that Leverkusen have a hangover from celebrating their first ever Bundesliga title.
David Moyes’ side must somehow claw their way back into the tie at 2-0 down from the first leg.
The Irons know they have to win by two goals to take the tie to extra-time. Or win by three within 120 minutes to avoid penalties and make the semi-finals.
Can West Ham complete mission impossible?
Against a team as accomplished as Xabi Alonso’s invincibles, going at them full pelt may be footballing suicide.
So West Ham will likely have to pick and choose their moments.
West Ham will be without suspended duo Lucas Paqueta and Emerson Palmieri for the clash.
Defender Konstantinos Mavropanos is a big doubt too.
West Ham’s big hope is that top scorer Jarrod Bowen is fit to start after he returned to training yesterday.
How the Hammers could do with a Tony Cottee in his prime for tonight’s clash.
West Ham’s third all-time record goalscorer may not be able to help on the pitch. But let’s hope his subconscious can.
Cottee lifts lid on wild West Ham dream
Because Cottee has lifted the lid on his wild West Ham dream ahead of Bayer Leverkusen.
The West Ham legend has taken to X to share his dream for the second leg against the Germans.
It involves Bowen, Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio. And we want some of what TC has been having because it would be one of the best nights in the history of West Ham.
The former striker’s dream would see the Hammers still trail 2-0 with just over 20 minutes to go.
What happens next will leave the hairs standing up on the back of your neck just thinking about it.
“Please let me dream this and for it to come true,” Cottee said.
“Bowen 1-0 70 minutes.
“Soucek 2-0 84 minutes.
“Antonio 3-0 114 minutes.
“And be one of the greatest nights?!!”
Hammers have rich comeback history
With a partisan Hammers crowd, a decent set of officials and a bit of luck, coming back from 2-0 down is not insurmountable.
Especially if Bowen is passed fit for the game as now expected and plays alongside Mohammed Kudus and Antonio.
West Ham must also take comfort from the fact only four clubs have more points coming from behind than them in the Premier League this season.
That will count for something in terms of the mentality of the players. West Ham can also take inspiration from comebacks against Freiburg, Sevilla, Lyon and Spurs in the past.
Azerbajani side Qarabag scored two goals in each of their two legs against Leverkusen. Freiburg – who West Ham smashed 5-0 – also did the same when they played recently.
Let’s hope Cottee has had a Nostradamus moment here.
Come. On. You. Irons.
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