Former Premier League striker Marcus Bent believes that West Ham United may struggle in the Europa League this season.

The club are preparing for life in Europe’s second-tier competition after finishing sixth in the table last season.

The Irons have begun the campaign in fine form, beating both Newcastle United and Leicester City, and drawing with Crystal Palace, in their opening three games.

The Hammers have been drawn into a Europa League group with Dinamo Zagreb, Genk, and Rapid Wien and kick off their campaign next week in Croatia against Dinamo.

Bent is unsure as to how successful they will be in the competition, although they did embark on an aggressive summer of recruitment in the summer transfer window.

David Moyes’ side have brought in Kurt Zouma, Nikola Vlasic, Alex Kral, Craig Dawson and Alphonse Areola to strengthen the squad and allow them to compete on multiple fronts.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Bent said: “How will they do this season? I think there’s going to be a few plus points, the fans coming back into the stadiums, where will West Ham go?

“They’ve always been a mid-table side. Can he take them on again? He’s took them into Europe. How will they do? Question marks. I don’t see them doing too well but he’s done really well over the last two seasons that he’s been there.”