This week I spoke to West Ham fan Ryan Peacock, who gave us his thoughts on the past transfer window, Andy Carroll and Liverpool’s recent performances:
To start off, can you tell us about the main dangers West Ham can pose to Liverpool on Saturday, and who you think the real danger-men for your side are?
Well, let’s start with Enner Valencia’s strike last week. That was special and hopefully there is more to come! Mauro Zarate looks to be a huge upgrade on the well past it Kevin Nolan! I think the key to this one is in midfield as our new signing Chiekhou Kouyate looks a really good player and alongside the always overlooked Mark Noble we will be hoping they can get a footing in the game against a strong Liverpool midfield.
2 defeats, a draw and 1 win so far, can you give us your thoughts on the start to the season for The Hammers?
Hmmm, the start is ok as I think Fat Sam is trying to change the way we play… Only because he was told to by the board but it is changing. I’m sure I read last week that we were around 13/14 in the premier league for long balls played. It’s very easy to continue labelling us long ball but I think when you watch the game you should see a difference. Even with all that said #SamOut!
The transfer window is long gone now, but we will quickly reflect on it. What did you make of the business West Ham conducted?
One of the best I can remember, I think we paid over the odds on Valencia but the World Cup does that to one’s price tag. I think we filled the gaps we needed too. Could have done with another CB and I would have liked us to go after Fraser Forster too. However, very happy overall.
Both sides are suffering with injuries, with notable absentees being frontmen for both teams, Andy Carroll and Daniel Sturridge. Do you think this will have a negative impact on the clash, or can both sides battle through the injuries?
I don’t think Andy Carroll is a huge loss, yes he has a huge presence in a game and is fantastic at defending corners but as you guys probably know, never fit and doesn’t score lots of goals. I think also with him up top we will be all too tempted to go back to lumping the ball forward.
I am really impressed with Sturridge and really think he will be an important player for England as well going forward. Without doubt Sturridge is a bigger loss for you than Carroll is for us.
On to Liverpool, have you or other West Ham fans gained any extra confidence over the last week, given Liverpool’s lacklustre performances?
No I don’t think so, I was shocked that Villa quite easily took Gerrard out of the game and stifled the attack but I still think Liverpool are a quality side who will finish top 4 again this year. These games always tend to be good and competitive and I expect no less from this one.
When looking at the current Liverpool squad, who do you feel poses your side the most threat on Saturday?
Simon Mignolet (goalkeepers union), but on a serious note can you look past Balotelli? The quiet reserved striker from Italy really does have class but I guess it just depends if he fancies it… Borini if he comes on is probably carrying a chip on his shoulder and has something to prove to Liverpool Football Club. Trust me if he only scores once this year it will be against us!
Finally, can we get a score prediction from you?
2-2, West Ham ahead with 10 to go and Borini gets an equaliser!
Moving on to my counter-prediction, as an eternal optimist I will be predicting a Liverpool win. 2-1. I agree with Ryan on the possible Borini impact, as he impressed me on Tuesday so I will also predict a Borini goal. Big thanks to Ryan, who you can follow on twitter at @R1J3P.
