This week I spoke with Baggies fan Dan Watts who is a fellow regular guest on the EPL Roundtable podcast.
Q:The baggies sit in twelfth position but where can they realistically finish in the table this season?
DW- Unlike those claret and blue lot down the road in Aston, I feel we should avoid any drama towards the end of the season and finish comfortably. Our current position might well be a good indication of where we will end up. This is fine considering how important it is to stay up this term with all the money coming in 16/17. It is just a question then of what approach we take going forward.
Q:Which three teams do you tip for relegation this season?
DW – Aston Villa could be gone by March with a bit of luck! Joining them I feel will be Newcastle and Bournemouth. I do feel for the Cherries, as without their injury issues they may well be in with a shot of retaining their place.
Q:How do you rate West Ham’s manager Slaven Bilic and his terrific start to the season?
DW-Absolutely. A very bright start and some very smart purchases. It’s a special season for the Hammers and it comes across that Slaven Bilic is embracing that. There is no disputing the brand of football is improved, and with us watching Pulis style football week in week out of late I do have a slight bit of envy watching you guys and the likes of Leicester and Southampton.
Q:West Ham sit in sixth place after thirteen games having briefly occupied the third spot but what league position can West Ham realistically achieve this season under Bilic?
DW – You know what, I usually laugh at Sean (Whetstone) on the EPL Round Table Podcasts we take part in as he does like to mention the Champions League a fair bit, but this season, who knows!? Yes it’s very unlikely but this league is getting much toghter due to the fact clubs not usually so dominant in the top flight are able to attract some of Europe’s best talent (money talks!). You should be happy with a top half finish though and Bilic I’m sure will look to keep improving your side going forward.
Q:If you could have any current West Ham player in your team who would you choose?
DW – Easiest question I’ve had to answer all day… Dimitri Payet. Has the ability to play for who he likes which could unfortunately be bad thing in the end for West Ham.
Q:Do you understand what the ‘West Ham way is’ and what it means to Hammers fans?
DW – In all honesty, not really. Of course I know of the history regarding the academy and looking to entertain, mind. I just feel that every fan wants what is best for their club and there is no doubt West Ham fans are the same. But from the outside looking in it can appear sometimes that some of your supporters, a bit like Newcastle, think the club is a bit bigger than what it is. Ambition is great but perspective is also needed. However, with the new stadium, increased revenue and potential to build on what you have done so far this season, maybe you can dream big. Just don’t get too carried away because the big boys won’t like it!
Q:Which Baggies player should we include in our Fantasy dream team?
DW – I would usually say Saido Berahino. So if I go and change my mind now, he’ll have a stormer this week! He is due one and he certainly likes a goal against you guys (4 goals in 5 appearances versus the Hammers).
Q:Which Baggies player should West Ham players fear on Sunday?
DW – This might be a strange one but I will say Jonny Evans. Yes I know you don’t usually stick a defender’s name down but this guy has been different class for us so far. If he plays as well as he has been, a clean sheet isn’t out of the question and we can always nick one at the other end!
Q: 14 Supporters’ Trusts recently came together to petition the Government for a public inquiry about West Ham’s occupancy of the Olympic Stadium. Does the fact that West Ham got a good deal bother you personally as a football fan?
DW – Honestly I’m not crying about it. Yeah, you’ve had a good deal, that’s great for you and you aren’t going to turn down the opportunity. Any fan of any football club in the same situation would be happy with the package you have landed so well done to you. I’ve had a pop in jest and there is no doubt you’ll hear a few chants like ‘we paid for your stadium’ nest season, but like I say, I’m sleeping just fine!
Q:How do you expect the Baggies to setup against West Ham on Sunday/Team/formation prediction?
DW – A very similar team to the one that upset Arsenal last weekend. We will have a lot less possession than you and look to exploit you at set pieces and the odd quick counter attack. Hopefully we can frustrate you and get a positive result.
Q:What is your score prediction for Sunday?
DW – 1-1 with Berahino netting for us.
Cheers Dan
SW: Thanks Dan and my prediction is a 1-0 win for the Hammers with an outside chance of no goals and a 0-0 result. Come on you Irons!
You can find Dan on twitter at Dan Watts – @TheWatts22 and Baggies Facts – @BaggiesFacts
I am on on twitter at @WestHamFootball
Cheers Sean