Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher says it will be “really tough” for West Ham to seal Champions League qualification this season.

Speaking just before the Hammers’ game against Aston Villa at the weekend, Carragher raised doubts about the London club’s chances of finishing in the top 5:

“I mean it is an ambition but I think it will be really tough.”

The 4-1 defeat at Villa Park on Sunday backs up Carragher’s remarks that a Champions League place may be a stretch for David Moyes’ side.

Who are the contenders for Champions League qualification?

It appears that Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are dead certs to qualify for Europe’s top competition at the moment.

Tottenham look to be in with a very good shout as well, as long as they can maintain the form they have shown at the start of this season.

If 5th is enough for Champions League football, there will be a number of teams vying for the position. Newcastle and Aston Villa seem to be the favourites currently, with West Ham, Chelsea and Manchester United all needing to show more consistency if they are to get involved in the battle.

West Ham may focus their efforts on the Europa League

After winning their first European competition in 58 years last campaign, the Irons may be confident of going all the way in Europe once more this season.

The Europa League is undoubtedly more of a challenge than the Europa Conference League due to the level of opponents. However, Moyes’ men have reached the semi-finals before, and they have won both of their matches so far in this year’s group stages.

Who is to say that West Ham can’t win the tournament and qualify for the Champions League via that route instead?

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