Former Irons midfield ace John Moncur is on his way to Upton Park where he will be working as BBC London Radio’s pundit on tonight’s Europa Cup clash.

But before arriving, the ClaretandHugh blogger gave us his view on how things were likely to pan out against the Maltese outfit Birkirkara FC.

Here are his thoughts:

“I fully expect the Slav to put out a strong side tonight as he bids to get the job done at Upton Park.

To be honest the start of the season really starts here and we will begin to get a big idea of how the manager is going to play. He’ll be trying things out and working on which players best fit various systems.

Birkirkara FC are there to be beaten tonight and if the team is anything near the strength that CandH is predicting it should be a three or four niller shouldn’t it?

Like most people, I don’t really know too much about the Maltese team but the Hammers won’t want to be going out there with anything less than a comfortable lead – I think they will get one.

Some clubs like Tottenham and Everton have moaned about the Europa Cup competition but I’m chuffed we are taking part. It’s a very big deal for the likes of us and we want to stay in it and prosper.

There’s nothing like European nights at our place and I know Slav will be relishing every minute of it. This game really means something and the players will be right up for it.

Even so early in the season getting into a winning habit  can do us nothing but good and if we can go into the Premier League with a great winning running behind us that will do loads and loads for confidence.”

COYI