The Hammers lost in Germany earlier this month in a game dominated by more VAR controversy. Despite a lengthy check lasting almost five minutes, West Ham were denied a stoppage-time penalty after Tomas Soucek’s attempt to keep the ball alive was blocked by the raised arm of opposition winger Noah Weisshaupt.
There is big pressure on David Moyes tonight. The Scot may never convince those who doubt him ahead of what could be his final season in charge but staying in the Europa League would at least shut out the noise for now.
A must-win European game evokes memories of fervent atmospheres under the floodlights. Still, West Ham fans will need to be in full voice much earlier than usual this evening as the game is due to kick-off at 5.45pm GMT.
That’s because due to the number of teams from Germany and Britain involved at this stage of the competition and the need for the ties to be split across the broadcast slots, both West Ham and Rangers' home tie against Benfica have been selected for the earlier 5.45pm GMT kick-off on 14 March.
