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Ahead of the Baggies' clash with the Hammers, we
caught up once more with Stu from the blog
Iron Views
who gave us his opinion on all things West Ham. You can follow Stu
on twitter @IronViewsStu.
 I'd imagine
Hammers' fans are more than happy with how this campaign has gone. Was such a
good season anticipated by anyone?
I don't think so, no. We were
looking to go back to the good, fluid, exciting football that we as fans were
longing for after Allardyce's tenure. We have had that in abundance, but, we've
also won an awful lot of games playing that way!!!
I don't think it was expected,
and I think many thought at the beginning of the season it would perhaps drop
off, but it hasn't. A huge amount of thanks has to go the Bilic and the players
for this.
Can you
sneak into the top four this season or is there a little bit too much to do now?
Just too much I feel. Arsenal
still have to play City, United still have to play us and Leicester. It's
possible, but I don't think we're holding our breath. 5/6th would be outstanding
and many would have bit your hand off for that before a ball was kicked this
season.
With usual
top four suspects Chelsea and Manchester United not at their best, do you feel
this season is your best chance of achieving Champions League football or can
you challenge again in future?
Yes and no. We could've done it
this season (and still could) but many people have said normal service will be
resumed next year? I don't think so...
The League is really starting to
level out and I think if anything it will be even more competitive next season.
Player of
the season?
He's been one of the best this
season in the whole League, so it would be hard not to say Dimitri Payet. I'll be
biased as I went to school with him and say Michail Antonio though just because of
making the step up, his all action displays, his goals, and playing at RB/RWB/RW
since coming into the XI shows that sheer desire to play football.
Anyone been
a disappointment?
Winston Reid perhaps? Only
because of the very high expectancy we have grown to have of him. Carl Jenkinson
too, his first loan spell was fantastic, he didn't replicate it in any way shape
or form under Bilic before his injury sent him back to Arsenal.
Highlight
of the season?
Someone I went to school with
joining the club and playing pretty damn well, quite surreal.
Everything Payet and Lanzini do?
Sheer magic, a joy to watch.
We've been far too spoilt this
season...not complaining though!
Low point
of the season?
The early stages where Bilic was
still figuring out his tactics and formation, cost us a fair few points, but
he's still learning so it was always going to happen.
The real low point will be the
last game at Upton Park. There won't a dry eye in the ground.
Looking
ahead to next season are there any areas of the West Ham team that need
strengthening over the summer?
Up front. The board have already
said as much and expect that a large majority of the summer budget will go on
acquiring a top striker. This week we've heard a lot of strong rumours regarding
Alexandre Lacazette who I think would be ideal for us in terms of his play and
goalscoring record.
How are the
Hammers likely to line up on Saturday?
Well, it will be interesting for
sure as we supposedly have a fully fit squad! The main point will be in that
case whether Antonio has his shackles taken off and Tomkins or Byram come in at
RB to allow him to be pushed forward. Will also be interesting to see if Bilic
opts to play two up top again as Sakho and Carroll worked very well against
Watford last time out!
If I were to hazard a guess as
to what Bilic will pick...
Adrian, Antonio, Collins,
Ogbonna, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Payet, Lanzini, Sakho, Carroll
Thoughts on
the game and prediction?
I think you'll be looking to
finish the season strong, and the Tottenham result will put a bit of belief back
into you squad. Hoping for 3 points to maintain our push, half expecting a tough
score draw.
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