Gent vs West Ham United

Europa Conference League hard hitters West Ham United head to the Ghelamco Arena to encounter Gent in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Gent might have to downplay the odds to reach the Europa Conference League quarter-finals, but they seem well prepared, even though a 1-1 home draw against Union SG last weekend knocked them down from a four-match winning run in all competitions. That streak included an overwhelming 4-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir in the second leg of their Europa Conference League last-16 tie, which halted their three-game winless run in European football (D2, L1). Despite facing a Premier League team, Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s men should feel confident playing in front of their fans, as they have only lost one of their last 15 competitive matches at the Ghelamco Arena (W10, D4). This impressive record includes three wins in this tournament, further adding to a belief in their ability to exceed expectations.

On the other hand, visiting West Ham United seem to be building a head of steam after a 1-0 win at fellow London rivals Fulham last weekend marked their third victory in four competitive matches (L1). Having steered outside the Premier League bottom three, David Moyes’ men are now keen to improve their solid all-time European record against Belgium opponents (W4, D2, L1). The ‘Hammers’ have flourished in the Europa Conference League this season, winning all eight games from the group stage onwards, including a brace of multi-goal margin victories over AEK Larnaca in the previous knockout round. There’s more reason for optimism in the traveling camp as West Ham have gone from three straight defeats away from home to winning their last two matches on the road ‘to nil.’