Declan walking tightrope

Declan Rice is walking a tightrope ahead of West Ham’s clash with Sevilla on Thursday.

The midfielder will be well aware that a yellow card recorded in a victory would see him ruled out of the quarter-final, should the Hammers get there.

David Moyes’ side, of course, need to overturn a 1-0 deficit to be able to reach the last eight.

UEFA’s press kit has also confirmed that Manuel Lanzini would be ruled out of the quarter-final if he picks up a booking against the Spanish side.

The rules also affect Sevilla, of course, and there is a suspension for the second leg, with Lucas Ocampos set to miss the game as a result of picking up a yellow card in the first leg.

Rice being missing for the quarter-finals would, of course, be a huge blow but one has to say that he cannot limit the way he plays if the Irons are to reach that stage.