This week I caught up with Chris Forryan from Leicestertillidie.com for his thoughts ahead of our first home game of the season
How do you rate Slaven Bilic, how will he get on in the Premier League and was it wrong not to renew Sam Allardyce’s contract at the end of the season?
Will always remember him for the ‘Wally with the brolly’ game. Has had success abroad but like players, foreign managers first season in England can be tough. So although he has had playing experience in the PL you could face a year of stagnation until he finds his feet.Wrong not to renew big Sam’s contract? Possibly not. He did was what asked of him and consolidated you in the PL, but managers like players again have their limits and with the move to the big stadium the owners obviously want to move up and maybe you did need a different manager to take you to the next level. However I think the way the dismissal was handled by West ham did bring shame on your club.
What league position can West Ham achieve this season under Bilic?
Like I said as its his first season you might have to accept a season of consolidation ready for you move to the new stadium. I think if you manage to finish 8th -10th it will have been a good season for you.
How do you think Leicester City will fare this season? You finished 14th last season what league position can you achieve?
Had Pearson did what he did for the last 10 games and stick with a settled team who know how well we could have done last season. We have the same scenario as yourselves with a new foreign manager, although ours has managed in the PL before albeit 11 years ago. Thankfully Ranieri has said he doesn’t want to make a lot of changes so I would be happy with a 11th -14th finish
Which three teams do you tip for relegation this season?
Watford defiantly, new manager 7 have bought virtually a whole new team. Too many changes and it will cost them. Villa could struggle. The impact of Sherwood arriving has now worn off and they are losing better players than they have bought in. The final place? Norwich or Sunderland could go to the wire.Bournemouth will struggle but would love them to complete the fairy tail and stay up if just for one more season.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your team who would you choose?
Mark Noble, would give us that experience in the centre of the pitch.
Which Leicester City player would you tip to put in people’s fantasy dream team?
Riyad Mahrez, given a more free role which I think he will be just behind the front two he can change a game with one move.
What is your favourite West Ham player of all time?
I’m an old git, so have to go for Bobby Moore. A true gentleman, shame today’s players (all teams) do not have his attitude towards the game.
How do you expect Leicester City to set up against West Ham on Saturday/ Team/formation prediction?
Its always difficult to predict so early as managers are trying out different things, but I expect Ranieri to go 3 at the back with Huth Marshalling the defence with 2 wing backs in Schlupp & Albrighton, two upfront with Mahrez in a free role just behind.
Finally Score Prediction for Saturday?
Would love to say a win but have a gut feeling for a 2-2 draw
My Thanks to Chris Website: www.leicestertillidie.com Twitter: @leicestertid