Former West Ham player Mad Dog Martin Allen has spoken out ahead of the next week in what is a crucial period for this season.
Our Hammers today take on Fulham in a Premier League London derby showdown at the London Stadium, in another huge match in our quest for European football again next season.
David Moyes side are very much in the thick of it for achieving a top 8 finish, which could well be enough for English clubs to qualify for the European stage in the 2024/25 campaign.
The club though are very much in the fight to continue our journey in this seasons Europa League, although a 2-0 loss in the 1st leg of the quarter finals against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday night has somewhat cast a huge doubt on our Irons advancing further.
Former player and club ambassador Allen, who is also the host of our Pre Match Events and provides a weekly Podcast ‘Mad Dog Bites’ on Patreon, believes the tie is still very much alive.
“Us fans expected a tough night out there and that’s what we got,” stated Mad Dog. “I look back and I believe that early miss by Kudus was such a blow, it was crucial.
“Chances like that simply must be taken against these sides, and we didn’t do that and ultimately we were punished.
“It was a disciplined performance against them though and it was such a shame to see us concede so late, especially that second goal.”
Allen though is full of optimism ahead of the return leg in east London, and foresees a famous night ahead for the club as we look to overturn the 2-0 deficit.
“If we get that first goal nice and early that place will be rocking. I believe we can that go on to deliver their first defeat this season.
“There is a lot to do but we know that we have enough in this squad to deliver this, and I think we can still advance and be celebrating on Thursday night.”
Allen will today be hosting The West Ham Way Pre-Match Event at the Colour Factory right by the stadium, with special guests Jimmy Walker and Phil Parkes.
Tickets are still available so please book now to avoid disappointment on the door.
