West Ham did not start their Europe Conference League semi-final on Thursday in the confident manner you would expect, as last Sunday’s victory over Manchester United all but confirmed their Premier League status for next season, moving them seven points clear of the drop with nine left to play for.
I thought there would be a swagger about David Moyes’ men in midweek, instead they went a goal down on the stroke of half time.
Goals from Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio eventually ensured we head to north Netherlands with their noses in front.
If we repeat that feat against Brentford this weekend, it will be mathematically impossible for Leicester or Leeds to catch us. 
After the start Brentford made to the season, some form of regression was expected, and that came as Spring sprung .The Bees then went six without a win, losing half of those games, results that have almost seen their European hopes slip out of reach.
But nevertheless ,Thomas Frank’s achievements this campaign cannot be scoffed at.
But it has to be said that little hinges on this for the hosts and perhaps they are all looking at their holiday brochures deciding where to go in the summer.
However, the timing of the match makes it tricky for Moyes to navigate, with his thread bare squad, reluctance to rotate and a barmy substitution strategy.
According to our friendly anoraks at Opta, 64% of our last 12 matches have seen both teams score and I believe that we will see some goals this afternoon.
I think the Irons would be more than satisfied with a point.