in

How West Ham lined up when they lost European qualifier to Romanian minnows six years ago with just THREE players left


WEST HAM are determined to reach this season’s Europa Conference League.

But they must first get past Danish side Viborg in a crunch play-off clash.

Michail Antonio is just one of three survivors from when West Ham lost their last Euro qualifierCredit: Getty

And nervous Hammers fans have not forgotten the last time their side tasted defeat in a continental qualifier.

Rewind six years ago and West Ham were eliminated from the Europa League by Astra Giurgiu.

Unbelievably, it was the SECOND consecutive season the Romanian outfit dumped the Hammers out of Europe.

West Ham drew the first leg at away 1-1, before losing the return leg at home 1-0.

READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

But there’s since been plenty of change in the capital, with Slaven Bilic long gone and David Moyes in charge.

As for West Ham’s starting XI on the night of the first-leg defeat, just THREE players remain at the club – and only one is a regular starter.

Goalkeeper Darren Randolph, defender Angelo Ogbonna and forward Michail Antonio all lined up the last time West Ham lost a European qualifier.

Of those three, only Antonio is set to start tomorrow’s game against Viborg.

Most read in Football

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

West Ham’s Europa League team from six years ago

As for the other eight players on that fateful night in 2016, they have all left London.

Right-back Sam Byram now plays for Norwich, while centre-back Winston Reid is a free agent who has been without a club for a year.

Left-back Reece Burke is at Luton Town, and anchorman Havard Nordtveit is a free agent after leaving Hoffenheim in June.

Meanwhile, winger Gokhan Tore also needs a club after his Besiktas contract expired this summer.

Central midfielder Pedro Obiang now plays in Italy with Sassuolo.

And partner Cheikhou Kouyate has just joined newly-promoted Nottingham Forest after four years at Crystal Palace.

Read More on The Sun

The final player, striker Jonathan Calleri, currently plies his trade for Brazilian side Sao Paulo.

And all eight exiles are sure to keep tabs on West Ham’s progress tomorrow.


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


Tagcloud:

Deontay Wilder poses with Joe Joyce as ex-heavyweight champ watches UFC fights while training for comeback

West Ham complete £10m transfer for Thilo Kehrer from PSG on four-year deal as defender becomes sixth summer signing