This week we speak to Liverpool fan Jim Fish who writes for Anfield Index and This is Anfield
Are you happy with your transfers, have you got a realistic chance for the title without Luis Suarez?
I think the club has gone about their business very well during the summer. It was going to be impossible to replace Luis Suarez and it’s clear that the club haven’t tried to do that. We needed more strength in depth and that’s what we have got. There are 1 or 2 I wouldn’t have chosen if I was the boss but, there’s plenty of reason why I’m not the boss.
What positions do you think Liverpool and West Ham finish in the Premier League this season?
I think that last season has spoilt us as fans and we are see by many to be realistic title challengers. I doubt we can challenge for the top 2 positions if I am being brutally honest. I think Chelsea and Manchester City are considerably stronger in squads and in experience of playing 3 games a week, which we now have to do after 5 long years out of the Champions League. That said, I fully expect us to finish in the top 4 and probably top 3 positions this season. As for West Ham, when I look at the squad you have assembled, I would expect you to finish in the top 10 at the very least.
Which three teams do you tip for relegation this season?
I think Burnley, West Brom and QPR will end up filling the bottom 3 positions.
How is rivalry with West Ham seen by Liverpool fans?
We have always had difficult games against West Ham, especially at Upton Park as it used to be known. In recent years we have enjoyed the better of results between the 2 sides. Hopefully that continues on the weekend.
Liverpool are claimed to be very close to agreeing the redevelopment of Anfield from a capacity of 44,000 to 54,000, What are your views on that and West Ham’s move to the 54,000 redeveloped Olympic Stadium?
Personally I don’t see West Ham filling that stadium as things stand. I just wonder if a larger and more impressive stadium could up the pressure levels on both the playing staff and owners. However, you can’t blame the club for wanting to more to a new stadium and to try to grow the fan base.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your team who would you choose?
That’s a really tough question. We’ve already had Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll so I can’t choose those two ;) . I’ve always liked the look of Aaron Cresswell and think he’ll be an excellent signing for you. At a push, I think i’d go for him. Although, I can’t see him getting in the first X1 ahead of Alberto Moreno.
Favourite West Ham player of all time?
I’ve always had a soft spot for West Ham and growing up, especially under Harry Redknapp I remember them playing some wonderful football. I’d have to say Paolo Di Canio, he was a special player whist at West Ham and that incredible goal against Wimbledon, wow!
How do you expect Rogers to setup the Liverpool team against West Ham?
I would expect us to line up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Raheem Sterling playing just behind Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini up top. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Lucas Leiva line up alongside Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson in midfield.
Score and prediction for Saturday?
It’ll be a tough game i’m sure, however, I expect Liverpool to run out winners, 3-1.
My Thanks to Jim for taking the time to answer this Q&A
Thanks for asking me to do this Sean, appreciate it. You can follow me on Twitter @JimFish286 I also write for Anfield Index and This is Anfield. You can listen to me host the Anfield Index Premier League Preview Podcast also.
Best of luck to The Hammers for the rest of the season, after Saturday evening of course.
Earlier this week I joined Jim and Sam Drury from Sky Sports on the Anfield Index Podcast to preview tomorrow’s game which can be listened to HERE