It might not have been a fixture that would ordinarily grab the attention of West Ham fans, but last night Nottingham Forest were involved in a game which could have far-reaching ramifications in the [Premier League](https://www.claretandhugh.info/premier-league-bio/) relegation scrap.
At the City Ground, Forest lost 2–1 to Fenerbahçe in the Europa League. However, thanks to their victory in the first leg, they progressed to the next round.
Not only that, but Vítor Pereira’s side have been drawn against Danish club FC Midtjylland, presenting a genuine opportunity to advance even further in the competition.
European Distraction Could Aid West Ham
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What does this mean for West Ham? Quite simply, while our relegation rivals have half an eye on European competition, they will now be dealing with fixture congestion.
And let’s be honest, Midtjylland are hardly European heavyweights. Forest will fancy their chances of overcoming the Danes.
Therefore, you would imagine owner Evangelos Marinakis will be urging Pereira to go for it, especially having tasted European success previously with Olympiacos.
Clutching at straws? Perhaps.
But at this stage of the season, I will take anything that improves West Ham’s survival chances.