---
title: "View from the Opposition: West Ham"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/view-from-the-opposition-west-ham/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Joe Watson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2014-09-20T13:54:15Z"
modified: "2014-09-20T13:54:37Z"
---

# View from the Opposition: West Ham

**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.**