The Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has made some interesting claims ahead of our game against Gent this week. After seeing off AEK Larnaca 6-0 on aggregate in the last 16, we are one of the favourites to win the competition having also made the semi-finals of the Europa League last season
Gent boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck has already said that he was “conflicted” about the draw as he was unhappy about drawing West Ham but happy that his stadium would host a sell out game.
Their Ghelamco Arena has been a bit of a fortress for them this season , having only lost three games at home. Only holding 20,000 it has a similar shape to our old spiritual home the Boleyn Ground with the supporters very near the pitch.
An upbeat Tavolieri believes that Gent`s strike partnership will cause West Ham some headaches as Gent would be a significant step up from Larnaca
“AEK Larnaca proved to be comfortable opponents for West Ham in the round of 16, but Gent have a little more to offer,”
“With central defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui leaving for China at the end of March, Joseph Okumu has come in to strengthen the Belgian side at the back.
“West Ham have won all of their games in the Europa Conference League this season but may struggle to contain Gent’s strike partners, Hugo Cuypers and Gift Orban. The latter has scored 14 goals in 12 games since joining the club from Norwegian side Stabæk in January.”