West Ham United allowed a two-goal lead to slip when they met Astra Giurgiu at Upton Park last week.
It means that with the return clash in Romania penned in for this Thursday, there is still plenty to play for in this Europa League third-round qualifier.
Astra
© Getty ImagesHaving defeated Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the previous qualifying round, Astra now have their eyes firmly fixed on another British scalp.
They certainly showed that they are up for the battle in East London. Most sides could have been forgiven for folding at 2-0 down, but Marius Sumudica's men made the most of their numerical advantage to earn themselves the draw and leave them in the driving seat as far as a place in the playoffs are concerned.
Astra are certainly no strangers when it comes to beating bigger-named clubs, having defeated French side Lyon on the away goals rule in the qualifiers 12 months ago.
It has been a busy summer for Sumudica, who has signed 11 new players, nine of whom arrived on the same day.
Such an overhaul in the playing staff appears to have had a negative impact on Astra's domestic form, with just five points having been collected from their opening four Liga I matches, which has left them in sixth place.
Nevertheless, there has been no shortage of entertainment when they take to the field as a total of 17 goals have been scored in those encounters, although only seven of those have been in their favour.
Recent form: WLDWDD
West Ham
© Getty ImagesThe Hammers only have themselves to blame for the fact that they do not have one foot firmly in the Europa League playoffs.
When Mauro Zarate put them 2-0 up in the 51st minute last week, everything appeared to be going swimmingly for the East Londoners. But, following a red card for centre-back James Collins, the wheels fell off, which allowed their Romanian opponents to claim not only an unlikely draw, but also two potentially crucial away goals.
It means that barring a 3-3 draw or greater, Slaven Bilic's men are going to need to win the game if they are to keep alive their hopes of reaching the group stage of the tournament.
But, their recent away record in European competitions doesn't bode well, with only two victories having been picked up from their last five outings.
It is also worth pointing out that having entered this season competition's via the Premier League's Fair Play League, West Ham have received three red cards in four matches - the latest of which was Welshman Collins.
They warmed up for this encounter with a friendly against Werder Bremen on Saturday - a game which ended in a 2-1 victory for the German visitors.
Recent form: LLDWDL
Team News
© Getty ImagesNot only did West Ham spurn a two-goal advantage in the first leg, they also lost the services of striker Enner Valencia for around three months with knee and ankle injuries that forced him to be stretchered off.
The absence of the Ecuadorian could earn a recall for Modibo Maiga, while youngster Reece Oxford may retain his place in the defence as a result of Collins's suspension.
Meanwhile, the home side are expected to include former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Filipe Teixeira within their starting lineup.
Astra possible starting lineup:
Lung; Queiros, Gaman, Alves, Maranhao; Enache, Seto, Budescu, Teixera, Boldrin; William
West Ham possible starting lineup:
Adrian; Cresswell, Oxford, Ogbonna, Jenkinson; Kouyate, Noble, Payet; Zarate, Maiga, Sakho
Head To Head
Prior to last week's clash at Upton Park, these two sides had never met in a competitive fixture.
However, West Ham have made two previous trips to Romania and lost on both occasions. The first came back in 1980 when they lost out to FC Timisoara 1-0, while Steaua Bucharest defeated their English opponents 2-0 in 1999.
We say: Astra 1-1 West Ham
West Ham have not been particularly impressive in the Europa League this term and with one eye on their first Premier League game of the season away at Arsenal on Sunday, it could be another disappointing night for Bilic and co.
