Bilic: Group stage the target

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is taking the Europa League seriously this season despite admitting it could affect their Premier League form.

The Hammers face a two-legged tie against Romanian champions Astra Giurgiu, with the away leg on Thursday evening, as they bid to reach the group stages for the first time.

In the past some clubs have taken the competition lightly – including West Ham last season when they qualified through the Fair Play League and were knocked out by Astra in the qualifying round.

Bilic fielded a team of youngsters for that clash but has brought a full squad, including the likes of Dimitri Payet, Mark Noble and Andy Carroll, for the rematch.

“We will put out a strong team,” he said. “We want to get to the group stages. These are two very important games for West Ham United.

“We want to qualify. It’s a reward for a good season last year and only a …

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