20 January 2024 , 22:30
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David Moyes wants West Ham to dream of Champions League football.
And that starts this weekend when they travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United following the midweek FA Cup defeat at Bristol City.
The Irons remain hot on the heels of London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham at the halfway mark and Moyes sees no reason why West Ham can't apply further pressure. The 60-year-old Scot said: "I'm always going to challenge if we can.
"Last year or the year before we were in the top four for a period of the season and everyone was talking about the Champions League. Still, with the team we've got - for me to come out and say that - it could still be laughed at the same way. But I'm going to do that. I'm not going to come out and say 'I want to finish seventh' - I'm going to say 'I want to finish first'. Realistically, that's probably going to be difficult, however, we'll keep pushing on."
West Ham have pulled off several high-profile scalps in the Premier League this season including away victories at both Arsenal and Spurs. But those memorable triumphs will count for precious little if they fail to take care of business against the Blades, who remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Moyes also shared his appreciation for underwhelming striker Danny Ings as he quickly approaches his one-year anniversary with the Hammers. He has failed to score in 17 club appearances this season but Moyes still thoroughly enjoys working with the misfiring forward - despite his recent struggles.
"We brought Danny Ings in when Micky Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca were injured," said Moyes. "We were really short of centre-forward options and we wanted someone that could score in the Premier League.
"We needed someone to hit the ground running like we talked about. I can remember him scoring two against Nottingham Forest when we probably needed the goals to make sure we weren't in a relegation battle last year.
Danny Ings has had a tough time at West Ham (Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)"Danny has played his part and he's probably wanted more minutes than we've been able to offer him but there are circumstances that have affected the situation."
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When asked whether he envisages things working out for Ings in east London, Moyes concluded: "All I can say is, we really like him. He works hard and tries to be the best he can be every day. We're really supportive of him."
Jarrod Bowen could be in line to return to action today following a recent ankle problem. The England international hobbled off the pitch at the end of the 1-1 draw with Bristol City before missing the replay at Ashton Gate.
West Ham are still yet to receive clarification on when Lucas Paqueta could return to action following his tendon issue. It's hoped Edson Alvarez and Pablo Fornals will also be fit to return to the squad following recent niggles. Said Benrahma is suspended following his petulant red card in Bristol that has plunged his future into further doubt amid interest from Marseille.