West Ham have an uphill task to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against unbeaten Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Bayer Leverkusen struck two late goals which reflected their dominance against West Ham in Germany and handed them control of the tie.

Given how the Hammers have already been written off, you'd think they're being asked to escape Alcatraz followed by breaking into Fort Knox.

The Germans have secured the equivalent of 23 points in the final 10 minutes of games across all competitions, avoiding defeat by the skin of their teeth countless times.

They've scored four goals after the 90-minute mark against Qarabag alone in Europe, drawing 2-2, winning 1-0, and 3-2 thanks to Patrick Shick's late brace.

Xabi Alonso's side have also come within seconds of losing on numerous occasions, so other teams have come close, but will West Ham be the side to end their run?

Lesser sides have come mightily close but the circumstances David Moyes' side find themselves in aren't favourable.

Chasing the game against the German champions is a difficult enough task, but we see no way back if Jarrod Bowen joins Lucas Paqueta on the sidelines.

Jonathan Tah looks physically built to handle Michail Antonio who will likely end up isolated against a back three, so their best chance could be a James-Ward Prowse delivery.

Florian Wirtz, 21 next month, has scored 17 goals and provided 18 assists this season, but a trip to a Premier League club is a spotlight opportunity that he will grab with both hands.

West Ham's only win in six was arguably unjust and the visitors possess too much of a threat on the break to make a comeback possible.

Bayer Leverkusen to win

Florian Wirtz to score

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals