Europa League: Bilic opts to go with second-string

Hugh5outhon1895

9 years ago

Categories: News, Whispers

Irons boss Slaven Bilic is ready to risk West Ham’s place in the Europa League by fielding a second-string side against Astra Giurgiu on Thursday evening.

ClaretandHugh predicted a couple of days back that would be the case and The Daily Telegraph – notable for getting things right as far as the club is concerned – is echoing our view.

Manager Bilic saw central defender, James Collins, become the third player to be sent off in three rounds for West Ham, who were given a Fair Play place in the qualifying rounds. To make matters worse, the boss then found himself dismissed to the stands himself.

And with the Enner Valencia injury looking like it could sideline the striker for up to three months, Bilic isn’t ready to do anything other than play things safe on Thursday night.

According to The Telegraph, he has been disappointed at the reffing standards in Europe’s second tier competition and is reported to have the view that the competition could harm the club’s league season.

It says: “With the Arsenal fixture and injuries and red cards weighing heavily on his mind, Bilic is likely to rest a number of key players against Astra and largely rely on youngsters and fringe players.

“The move could anger a number of West Ham fans, who travelled out to Andorra and Malta to watch the team in the first and second qualifying rounds, and have booked trips to Romania.”

Meanwhile, the club has become confident of receiving the green light to sign forward Raul Jimenez in a move the club also hope will boost their bid to convince Javier Hernandez to move to Upton Park.

As we reported earlier, the Hammers have made Manchester United’s Mexican ace, Hernandez, their top striker target and believe the fact he is an international team-mate of Jimenez could work in their favour.