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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Europa Conference League dates: West Ham given Anderlecht test in group stage

Gianluca Scamacca has two goals in two European matches for West Ham

(Picture: Getty Images)

West Ham will face FCSB, Anderlecht and Silkeborg in the group stages of the Europa Conference League.

The Hammers avoided any real long-distance trips, with a midweek clash in Romania against FCSB the most they will have to travel.

Anderlecht, at least on paper, appear the most difficult test, with Silkeborg of Denmark competiting in Europe for the first time in more than 20 years.

David Moyes’ side reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season, before losing to eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt, and they will be eyeing another deep European run this time.

“I’ve just seen it, I was doing some work there,” said Moyes of the draw.

“Aye good, I’m looking forward to it. I think there are some good teams in it. I think we’ve had quite a difficult draw in our group.

“We stayed in Silkenborg the day before, we know the level of the games we’ll get in Denmark, it was tough the one we had, and we know going to Bucharest is not easy either, I’ve been there before. Never easy, but it’s great to be in it, exciting times.

“In the main, the distances are not too far so it’s important the supporters can get to the games relatively easy and hopefully relatively cheaply, as well.”

The Hammers’ opening group-stage match comes four days after a trip to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, while the final European game, by which point West Ham will hope to have qualification wrapped up, takes place just after a clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Group-stage dates:

Matchday 1: 8 September 2022

Matchday 2: 15 September 2022

Matchday 3: 6 October 2022

Matchday 4: 13 October 2022

Matchday 5: 27 October 2022

Matchday 6: 3 November 2022

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