Prediction: Gent vs West Ham

Prediction: West Ham win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

European football is back in our lives this week as all three major competitions get their quarter-final stage underway. This is the big countdown to the final in a few short months and today, we’ll be focusing on the UEFA Europa Conference League. More specifically, we’ll be taking a look at what should be a fascinating clash of styles between Belgian side Gent and Premier League strugglers West Ham.

Gent

As one of Belgium’s finest, Gent have done a solid job of balancing their many priorities so far this season. In terms of consistency, they also happen to be one of the most in-form teams remaining in the Conference League – and they’re showing that in front of goal. With a passionate home crowd behind them, we’d argue they can’t really afford to let a first leg opportunity like this slip through their fingers.

West Ham

David Moyes will be the first one to tell you that he has a lot of work to do if he wants to save his job. West Ham United are still involved in a relegation battle and alongside that, they need to deal with the looming presence of a European quarter-final. Some may not believe this is what they should be focusing on, but just imagine the lift it would give the squad if they could go all the way to the final.

Factors to Consider

• Gent are 4th in the Belgian Pro League whereas West Ham are 14th in the Premier League.
• Gent have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• West Ham have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Gent have scored 20 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• West Ham have scored 10 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

While Gent certainly serve as the toughest test of the competition so far for the Hammers, we still think that the boys from East London are more than strong enough to deal with this kind of challenge. This should be seen as a big priority for them alongside their push for survival and with the attacking options they have at their disposal, we do believe they’ll be able to secure a big away win in the first leg – by at least two goals.

Prediction: West Ham win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: 888sport