When we think of West Ham United, the first thing that comes to mind are the incredible players that played for them in the past, such as Moore, Bonds, Payet, Di Canio, and Booking. These are some of the players that have inspired various football players, and several industries across the globe, such as the casino industry.
With just 39 goals scored, Sevilla have only the seventh best goals scored in La Liga and have drawn six of their past 13 games as a result, but they are still sitting in 2nd spot behind Real Madrid and have a comfortable cushion ahead of their nearest rivals Barcelona.
How can West Ham expect to cope in tonight's game and does Sevilla's European pedigree give them the advantage were the questions many fans were asking as they travelled to see their team play in a 'proper' European Cup tie for the first time in over 40 years!
Unfortunately a bit of pre-meditated hooliganism perpetrated by Eintrecht Frankfurt Ultra fans who had seen their side triumph 2-1 earlier on Wednesday at Real Betis, who are managed by ex-Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini and are city rivals of Sevilla, put paid to all of that.
Valiant efforts have been made by the players and the club's medical team to try to get Hammers duo Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice fit enough for Thursday's Europa League Cup tie against Sevilla in Spain. Alas the game comes just a bit too soon, it has been decided that it is best for Bowen to continue his recovery in order to have him fit for the Villa game at the weekend as well as the return fixture against Sevilla the following Thursday in London.
Sometimes you have to chuckle at 'transfer coup' articles, whether it is at those who wrote them or those who are stupid enough to believe them. The latest click bait Rashford to West Ham stories are more than stories, much more they are indeed works of fine fiction.
Let us examine the essential elements of a 'good read', bearing in mind most Journo's would sell their Grandmothers at the drop of a hat and are genetically born as compulsive liars who would most definitely NOT let the truth get in the way of a 'good story'.
One of the negative aspects of a "I told you so situation" is that eventually no one emerges victoriously, the point can only be made a few times before it becomes boring itself. So with that in mind analysing the choices available to David Moyes for Thursday evening's crucial game in Spain is more a case of what can he do, as opposed to what will he do?
In 2001 Frank Lampard moved across London from West Ham to Chelsea for megabucks at the beginning of the Roman Abramovich era, many were pleased to see him go due to constant claims of nepotism with regards to his ream selection by his Uncle 'arry Redknapp.
Lampard went on to be a huge success for club and country, becoming one of the Premier League's most successful midfielders for nearly a decade at the very top level, before retiring as a player having also played for Man City as well as Chelsea and West Ham.
Recently Hammers fans have got used to players picking up very 'LOTUS' injuries, lots of time, usually serious, but for once there is a bit of good news as Jarrod Bowen's injury that he received courtesy of his ex-team mate Andy Robertson is nowhere near as bad as it looked and as it was first feared.
Jurgen Klopp is a past master at tapping up other team's players, his relentless and ultimately successful pursuit of Virgyl Van Dyke bears testimony to it. His process has already begun with regards to 'acquiring' Jarrod Bowen from West Ham, the Liverpool media machine has been swift to 'filter' comments from Klopp indirectly, as is the way for professional tapper uppers, regarding his opinion of the hammers front man.
If ANY West Ham player had stopped a Liverpool player with a clear run on goal by fouling them they would have received a red card, somehow Diego Jota got away with a yellow. Andy Robertson 'took out' Jarrod Bowen and may have effectively ended Hammers pursuit for a trophy this season and received nothing at all.
John Moss had an appallingly biased game roared on by the chattering masses that ate up ALL his leanings towards their team and had a thoroughly wonderful day, the fact that they cheered when Bowen was injured showed just how little style they have.