West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says their Europa League adventure would be exciting but draining, were his side to progress through qualifying and reach the group stages.
The Irons beat Maltese Cup winners Birkirkara 1-0 with a scrappy 90th-minute goal from defender James Tomkins at Upton Park on Thursday night.
Should West Ham secure an aggregate victory after the second leg next week at the Ta'Qali National Stadium, then either Scottish Premiership side Inverness or FC Astra of Romania would await in round three.
"It has got a lot of positive things, but also a lot of negative things. But if you ask me, 'do I like to play in Europe?' Yes, I like it, it is good for the guys, but still we have to do a lot to qualify," said Bilic.