I am still in Tenerife for two more days. I watched the Southampton v West Ham game in the infamous Linekers bar on Saturday. The place was empty except for two Pompey fans who were honourable Hammers for an hour until they got bored and left leaving me on my own. Amazing how the once famous Linekers bar has changed since the last time I visited it 16 years ago. I don’t remember it having dancing poles in the corner or being so tacky.
Laying by the pool, I managed to catch up with Liverpool fan Jim Fish who writes for This is Anfield and the Anfield Index. I asked him his thoughts about the upcoming FA Cup replay. I fly home to the UK on Tuesday afternoon and will land at 7.45pm so will be forced to watch the FA Cup replay from a laptop in the airport. I was graciously invited to a West Ham corporate box by a West Ham WHTID author so gutted I won’t make it back in time to be there.
Which four teams do you tip for the FA Cup semi finals this season?
A. West Ham, Tottenham, Arsenal & Manchester United
How do you rate Slaven Bilic first season as a manager in the Premier league?
A. I think he’s been outstanding. It can’t have been easy for him, especially knowing that he was at least third choice for the job. He’s made you hard to beat but a threat going forward. It’s great to see.I’m all for the Premier League having more competition for the top 4-6 positions. I just wish it wasn’t at the expense of Liverpool.
West Ham sit in sixth place in the Premier League having briefly occupied the third spot but what league position can West Ham realistically achieve this season under Bilic?
A. I see no reason why they can’t finish in the top 6. Utlimately it will come down to how well Payet and Valenica play until the end of the season, but, not many teams will fancy heading to the Boleyn Ground between now and the end of the season.
Excluding Dimtri Payet If you could have any current West Ham player in your team who would you choose?
A. Looking at the current Liverpool side, I’d probably take quite a few of your players. Certainly Aaron Cresswell, who I’ve mentioned before, he’s an excellent left back. I was disappointed we didn’t try to get Sam Byram aswell. I like the energy that Kouyate brings aswell, we could do with some of that in our midfield right now.
Do you understand what the ‘West Ham way is’ and what it means to Hammers fans. Do Liverpool have a Liverpool way and if so what is it?
A. I do. I like good football, pass & move, It’s the Liverpool Way as John Barnes rapped about all those years ago. However, it’s sometimes not always possibly. Look at Leicester this season, they’re a counter-attacking side. The like to get the ball forward early & then play their football. Ultimately, it’s about being successful.
I recall you having a very good footballing side the year Glenn Roeder & Trevor Brooking were in charge, that ended in relegation though, didn’t it.
Which Liverpool player should West Ham players fear on Tuesday?
A. Wow, tough question. I think us Liverpool fans are fearing our own players more than anything else right now.
The one shining light this season has been Roberto Firmino. He’s adapted to the PL now and looks a star in the making. Keep him quiet and I’d expect you to win.
14 Supporters’ Trusts 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?
A. Not particularly, someone had to use the stadium. It cost an awful lot of money to build it. I’m intrigued to see how often you sell it out however and also how much the tickets cost your fans. As you’ll know, we’re having some issues over ticket prices with FSG ahead of our new stand being built.
Do you think Jürgen Klopp will turn around Liverpool next season?
A. Yes, I have to think that or I may as well pack up being a Liverpool fan. He’s a very good manager, dealing with a lot of average players low on confidence.
I’d expect him to be well backed in the transfer window and if we end up 9th this season, then it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The sheer number of games he’s had to manage us in since he took over has been nothing more than a hindrance. He’s had little or no time on the training ground to make any significant tactical changes to the side.
How do you expect Liverpool to set-up against West Ham on Tuesday night /Team/formation prediction?
A. I think we’ll field a strong side. The Sunderland debacle closes the door on any significant finish in the league, so it’s the Cup’s or bust.
I think Mignolet will miss out & possibly Brad Smith will play at Left Back, other than that, it’ll be the same again for us.
West Ham have done the double over you this season in the league. We have not been beaten at home since August last year. What is your score prediction for Tuesday?
A. I really think you’ll win. By the odd goal, probably 2-1.
My thanks to Jim for his answers. You can follow Jim on twitter at @JimFish286 He writes for the Anfield Index and This is Anfield and hosts the Anfield Index Premier League Preview Podcast. I will gladly agree with his 2-1 prediction to the Hammers! Come on you irons! Sean @Westhamfootball on twitter
Signing off from Tenerife with the view from the top of my laptop.
