Have West Ham turned a corner or entered cul de sac?
We find out tonight – to some extent anyway- whether West Ham have turned a corner or entered a cul de sac – commonly known as a road leading nowhere?
Burnley on Sunday will tell us nothing beyond that given they are already well and truly Championship-bound after managing just three wins in 27 games writes Hughie Southon.
We know all there is to know about Freiburg although the Germans are are set to be without Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (ACL), Max Rosenfelder (tendon), Lukas Kübler (hip) and Kenneth Schmidt (abdominal) for their home leg.
Have West Ham turned a corner or entered cul de sac?
Philipp Lienhart, who is one caution away from a Europa League suspension, missed the Germans’ last game, but could return from an ongoing groin strain to make the matchday squad.
The Hammers hit form against Brentford and Everton in games most would have expected them to win but following Sunday comes the real test with games against Villa at home, Newcastle away, Spurs at home and Fulham at home.
Then, before the end of the season we meet Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City. These are the matches which face a manager David Moyes who remains under pressure from some sections of the fan base.
And they will tell us where we really are in terms of joining the best team in the Premier League and whether the cries from many for the manager’s head have been silenced.