Former West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce believes the Hammers may struggle if they progress to the Europa League group phase.
The east London club qualified for the Europa League through the Fair Play Draw and have already progressed to the second qualifying phase where they face Birkirkara FC of Malta.
Should The Hammers progress past the remaining qualifying rounds they will play over 50 games this season and Allardyce thinks the club will struggle to handle the fixture congestion Europa league progression brings.
He told talkSPORT: "If West Ham have a very good run in Europe it could have a detrimental effect on their Premier League results.
"If you play more games in Europe, along with the FA Cup and League Cup, you’re going to test the squad."
West Ham have already made five summer signings but Allardyce feels the squad would not be able to cope with the demanding schedule.
He added: "I’m not sure if the squad is strong and deep enough if they have a long run in Europe."
West Ham have not played in Europe since 2006 when they played in the UEFA Cup - the forerunner to the Europa League.
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