Don’t forget West Ham’s exciting triple chance for more European glory this season as the group stage draw is made.
Today promises to be an extremely busy and exciting one for West Ham, perhaps more so than any other club.
Because not only do the Hammers have all the fun and drama of UEFA’s official Europa League draw and transfer deadline day, there is the small matter of a big game at Luton – and the chance to return to the top of the fledgling Premier League table – in the evening too.
First comes the excitement of the Europa League group stage draw for West Ham, though.
That takes place from 12pm UK time on Friday – you can find out everything you need to know about it here.
We’re all going on a European tour… again
West Ham won their first trophy for 43 years by lifting the Europa Conference League in June. That came after a thrilling run to the Europa League semi-finals the season before.
So Hammers fans will be hoping for another deep run on their return to Europe’s second tier competition this season.
But don’t forget West Ham’s exciting triple chance for more European glory this season as the group stage draw is made.
This season the Hammers have not one, not two but THREE chances of last 16 knockout European football thanks to a safety net.
Should West Ham top their group – as they have in the last two seasons in both the Europa League and Conference League – they will again advance straight to the last 16 knockouts.
Don’t forget West Ham’s exciting triple chance for more European glory this season as group stage draw is made
If David Moyes’ side finish second they will get the chance to play one of the eight teams dropping out of the Champions League in a play-off for the last 16.
But an added layer of security if things don’t quite go to plan is that should West Ham finish third in their group, they would drop into the play-off for the Conference League last 16, giving them a third bite at the cherry.
Not only would keep West Ham’s European hopes alive but it would also give Moyes’ boys the chance to retain their title.
Only bottom place group finish will deny Hammers a shot at last 16 European football this season
It means that barring a disaster, West Ham will have a very real shot at last 16 European football.
As we have seen, once the Hammers get to those knockouts we take some stopping.
Only finishing bottom of their group would deny West Ham at least one round of European knockout football.
And remember winning the Europa League carries the ultimate prize of qualification for next season’s Champions League.
But should the Hammers drop into the Conference League and win it again, that would secure Europa League qualification as it has this season.