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      OPPOSITION VIEW - WEST HAM UNITED Q&A


Ahead of Tuesday night's game at The Hawthorns, we caught up with Liam from the West Ham blog
Iron Views. He gives his views on the Hammers' impressive start to the season, Sam Allardyce, the Baggies and more. You can follow Liam and Iron Views on Twitter @ironviews.

It's been an excellent first few months of the season for the Hammers, surely far better than fans expected back in August ?

Not even the most optimistic of West Ham fan would have predicted this start. The summer signings were encouraging but after losing to Spurs, Sheffield United and Southampton in 3 out our first 4 games it looked like another season of suffering. Since then things have been quite incredible, exceeding all expectations.  

How have performances been in general? Is your current 5th place deserved?

Absolutely. Aside from that defeat against Southampton our performances have been extremely impressive. We've deservedly seen off the likes of Liverpool and Man City with battling displays, and have seen off lower sides like Crystal Palace and Burnley with class. Sakho and Valencia have been a revelation as a duo upfront, while Downing's new central role has given our attack real versatility. Defensively we haven't looked quite so assuring as last season, but our third clean sheet of the season against Newcastle suggests the new-look back four is starting to gel.  

Sam Allardyce seems to have split opinion among West Ham supporters for a long long time, what's the current feeling towards him from the majority of fans? 

At the end of last season, and even the beginning of this one, fan opinion was probably around 70% in the 'Big Sam out' camp. Now, there's a general consensus that if he keeps the side playing attractive, attacking football, he deserves a contract extension at the end of the campaign. The problem with Allardyce was always the style of football - in the past it really has been turgid to watch. Fast forward to the present and we're scoring goals and winning matches. It's hard to complain.  

What team and tactics are we likely to see from the Hammers on Tuesday night?

With Sakho and Valencia edging closer to fitness Allardyce will revert to the 4-4-2 diamond that has served us so well to date. Mauro Zarate is pushing for a start after two impressive cameos in successive fixtures, while Andy Carroll will also want to build on his last two starts. It's hard to name the exact side because of all the knocks the squad is carrying at the moment.

Any particular weakness Albion should be looking to exploit?

West Ham are notorious slow starters. It can often take a while for our players to work out the best way to deal with the opposition, leading to early indecisiveness. Early  goals have been conceded against Hull and Stoke this season as West Ham have taken too long to find their footing. With our starting XI changing a fair bit due to injuries at the moment this could be the case again on Tuesday night.  Other than that the team is well-rounded in quality, and have largely looked like an impressive unit as a whole.  

Player of the season so far? 

This is a really hard one. Diafra Sakho is the obvious candidate with 6 goals, but Aaron Cresswell and Alex Song have been equally influential in their own way. I think given that Cresswell has played every minute of every game so far I'm going to have to give it to him. His winning goal at the weekend capped what has been a terrific first few months in the Premier League for the English left-back.   

Anyone been particularly disappointing? 

Only if I'm being hypercritical. Perhaps you could argue that Adrian, the 'keeper, looked shaky in the early stages of the campaign, but recently he's been nothing but solid. Cheikhou Kouyate started life at Upton Park in tremendous fashion, but his form has dipped since.  

Prediction for West Ham's season? 

Another tough one. Definitely a top ten finish, but it's too early to say whether we can sustain our hunt for the European spots. Knowing West Ham, we probably won't!  

Prediction for Albion's season? 

I watched West Brom's 2-2 draw against Man United and thought you looked very impressive. Key to your season is Saido Berahino, as long as he stays out of trouble. Realistically I can't see much more than a mid-table finish, however.  

Premier League champs? 

Chelsea, but Man City will push them to the final game.  

Relegated? 

Leicester City, Crystal Palace and Hull City 

Prediction and thoughts on Tuesday's game? 

Unless something goes drastically wrong I can't see West Ham losing, but I wouldn't bet on a win either. We rarely win back-to-back and while the quality of our team should see us through, complacency could kick in. Both sides will score in an open game...2-2. 


 

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