MY ACCOUNT
Carlton Cole is confident West Ham have enough quality to beat Sevilla in their Europa League last-16 tie.
The Hammers’ reward for topping Group H is a mouth-watering two-legged encounter with the LaLiga title challengers.
Their Spanish opponents have a rich history in the competition, twice winning the UEFA Cup before lifting the Europa League trophy on four occasions.
Tonight’s first leg is a welcome distraction from a stalling domestic campaign, which has seen the East Londoners knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton and pick up just five points from their last four Premier League games.
Despite the tough challenge ahead of them, Cole believes David Moyes’ side have what it takes to make the quarter-finals.
Speaking to LiveScore at the London Football Awards, the former Irons striker said: “As long as the lads are happy to continue grafting, they can go far.
“Sevilla is going to be a massive game for them so hopefully they can do well at that level. They’re a top, top team.
“David and the players will want to test themselves against that quality of opposition.”
Bursting bubble?
With the Hammers now sitting sixth in the Premier League, three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal having played three games more, many have questioned the club’s decision not to boost their ranks with January recruits.
Michail Antonio is Moyes’ only recognised striker, while numerous injuries have left them short at the back — but no new faces came through the door.
While Cole agrees that mid-season incomings would have helped, he believes the current squad has what it takes to get back on track.
He added: “There was a lot of talk about how they didn’t sign anyone in January and they needed that injection.
“Yes, that’s possibly the case. But now it’s down to Moyes to make sure they can keep going.
“The cohesion is already there at the club but he needs to make sure the players understand what they can do to get to the next stage.”
Still in the race
With 10 league games remaining, the Irons face Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City before the end of the season.
To overhaul the gap to Manchester United and Arsenal above them, and to keep an improving Spurs at bay, Moyes will need to balance any continental adventure with a consistent run to continue the pursuit of European qualification.
On whether he feels the Glaswegian coach can successfully navigate a tricky end to the campaign, Cole said: “Maybe West Ham can get back up there and do something, but I haven’t got much hope.
“Arsenal are in good form at the moment. I’m hoping Manchester United can find some form but I don’t think that’s going to happen.
“Spurs are up and down, they’re not consistent enough.
“West Ham are a bit out of it at the moment but you never know what could happen. If it isn’t West Ham, I’m not interested!”
Before their Premier League campaign resumes at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, a difficult assignment in Andalusia awaits.
But there is no doubt that victory over Julen Lopetegui’s men will give the Hammers a much-needed boost in the top-four race.
