West Ham have major hope of a UEFA semi-final fixture switch if they can make it past Gent and it could prove to be a crucial advantage.
West Ham were handed what was seen as a dream path to the Europa Conference League final after the double UEFA draw last month.
The Hammers had enjoyed a favourable draw to play the lowest ranked remaining side, AEK Larnaca, in the last 16.
And the east Londoners were handed another hugely favourable draw as West Ham avoided the four big hitters Nice, Fiorentina, Basel and Lech Poznan.
West Ham were drawn to face Gent away first in the quarter-final.
Crucially that meant the Hammers got to play the second leg at home – which is considered a major advantage in knockout competitions.
If they get to the semi-finals, the Hammers will face the winners of the quarter-final between AZ Alkmaar and Anderlecht – who West Ham beat twice in the group stages – for a place in the final in Prague.
But those paying close attention to the draw would know West Ham did get something of a blow for the semi-final – should they make it there.
That draw dictated that West Ham play at home first, meaning they face the disadvantage of the second leg being away from home – as it was against Frankfurt and Lyon last season with very different results.
But West Ham have major hope of a UEFA semi-final fixture switch if they can make it past Gent and it could prove a crucial advantage.
West Ham have major hope of UEFA semi-final fixture switch if they can make it past Gent and it could prove a crucial advantage
Anderlecht look the most likely opposition for West Ham in the semi-final as they hold a 2-0 lead from their first leg.
Meanwhile their Brussels rivals Royale Union Saint-Gilloise are playing at home in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night against Bayer Leverkusen.
That tie is level at 1-1 following the first leg. And this is where things could work out in West Ham’s favour.
Should RUSG make it through they are due to play the first leg of the semi-final – against either Roma or Feyenoord – away first. That’s the same as Anderlecht.
But UEFA rules state two teams from the same city cannot play home European fixtures on the same day.
UEFA explained that would be the case ahead of the last draw.
The Europa League – as the senior of the two competitions – takes priority over the Conference League.
So Anderlecht’s semi-final tie would be switched around so the home leg does not clash with RUSG. And that means – should West Ham make it – they will in fact play the second leg of the semi-final at home.
Make no mistake that could be massive for West Ham’s chances of making the final. But clearly it is all irrelevant unless West Ham make it past Gent and both Anderlecht and RUSG both qualify too.
Although ahead of those games that is the most likely scenario to play out given Anderlecht have a firm grip on their tie and both West Ham and RUSG will fancy themselves at home.
Should they make the final, West Ham would be designated as the away team after a further draw was made to decide that aspect.
When are the semi-finals?
The first legs of the semi-finals will be held on May 11, and the second legs on May 18.
When is the final?
The final takes place on June 7 at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czech Republic.
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