West Ham United boss hoping to avoid a Greek tragedy

But the Hammers boss knows that a typically uncomfortable evening lies in store for his side and their 1,600 travelling supporters at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

As Manchester United manager, the Scot suffered a 2-0 defeat in a UEFA Champions League last-16 tie in 2014 before producing a thrilling three-goal comeback in the Old Trafford return.

“That first game in Athens was one of my most disappointing results and I know that it’s going to be another tough game against Olympiacos who’ve been serial European qualifiers for many years now,” said Moyes.

“They’ve embraced and enjoyed being in the Champions League and Europa League and they’ve got lots of experience with great support behind them.

“It’s great to come to a places like this, where football really matters and there’s a passion that’s in the culture of the city and its people.

“They certainly will create a really big atmosphere unlike anything that we encounter at home.

“Until recently, West Ham hadn’t been in Europe for a long time and we’re discovering that the crowds at these games are very different to what we see in our Premier League matches.

“With everything else that is going on in the world right now, though, people really have got to remember that football is only a game.

“It’s important that everyone behaves themselves because all we want is to see a really good match and for both sides tonight it’s all about being a good supporter.

“Nobody’s going to be doing their club any favours if they end up getting their club into trouble.”

Topping Group A after victories over Serbian side TSC Bačka Topola and German outfit SC Freiburg, the Hammers can take a giant leap towards the knockout stages with a victory over the Greeks, who come into matchday three in third place with just one point.

“We’ve done as much homework as we can and, after tonight, our next Europa League game is also against Olympiacos at London Stadium so we’ll get to know each other even better over these two ties!” added Moyes.

“Vladimír Coufal hasn’t travelled for this one, but we’ve got a full squad including both Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell who are available if required.”

Moyes is clearly hoping there will be no Greek tragedy this evening having made it to a magnificent, record-breaking 17-match unbeaten run in European competition.

“We’ve already had two very good seasons – reaching the Europa League semi-finals before winning the Conference League – and we’ve had a great start to this year’s campaign, too,” he said.

“I’m just hoping that European football can continue being a bit of a lucky charm for me.”