West Ham's potential Europa League quarter-final opponents much clearer but let's get there first

West Ham will have to summon the spirit of Sevilla if they are to make it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

West Ham trail Freiburg 1-0 after a frustrating performance in their Europa League last 16 first leg.

The Hammers could and should have won the game comfortably.

But David Moyes’ side simply did not have their shooting boots on.

West Ham came from 1-0 down against Sevilla in the last 16 two years ago to make the quarters.

And they’ll have to do the same again when the Germans come to the London Stadium on Thursday.

So who might the Hammers face if they do make the last eight again?

Well West Ham’s potential Europa League quarter-final opponents are much clearer but let’s get there first.

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You never say never in football but there were some comprehensive results in the first legs.

And that means West Ham have a good idea who four of their possible seven quarter-final opponents will be.

Liverpool, Roma and Marseille all have what look completely unassailable four-goal leads.

And AC Milan – after a 4-2 win over Slavia Prague – look a good bet for the last eight too.

It’s galling because West Ham should also have a comfortable first leg lead.

Instead they’ll have to do things the hard way on Thursday.

If the Hammers do their bit and overturn their first leg defeat then they could face Liverpool, Roma, Marseille or Milan.

The other three ties are tight after first leg draws.

But taking each on the basis of home advantage in the second leg Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen and Rangers could be the others in the hat.

Over to you Moyes and the boys to make sure West Ham join them.

If West Ham do advance remember we will discover our potential semi-final opponents as the draw is made at the same time as the quarter-finals.

Quarter-finals and Semi-finals: 15 March 2024

Quarter-finals: 11 and 18 April 2024

Semi-finals: 2 and 9 May 2024

Final: 22 May 2024 (Dublin)

West Ham’s potential Europa League quarter-final opponents much clearer but let’s get there first