This week I spoke to Liverpool fan Henry Winter from ThisisAnfield.com
1) What are your expectations for Liverpool this season? Can you win the title?
At the start of the season, finishing in the top-four was very much the aim. We’ve had a superb first three months or so, though, and we’re right in the title mix. Some of the football has been as good as I’ve witnessed in 20-ish years as a fan, and Jurgen Klopp is doing special things at Anfield.
We should be going for the title, and while Chelsea are favourites I believe we can win it, but 4th place has to be seen as the worst possible finish.
2) Which three teams do you think will suffer relegation and who will lift the title this season?
My head says Chelsea will win it, with City second and Liverpool third, but my heart still says we can definitely end 26 years without a league title. As for relegation, I think it will be Hull, Swansea and Burnley. Sunderland are right in the mix, though, and unbelievably, so are Leicester.
3) How do you rate West Ham’s manager Slaven Bilic and can he survive the sack?
I rate Bilic highly, and thought he did a brilliant job last season. I don’t know a lot about what’s gone on this season, but I feel it is probably a minor blip for him, and that he’ll come good again. He is clearly making errors, but if I were a West Ham fan, I’d want to stick with him.
4) What league position can West Ham realistically achieve this season?
I’d definitely expect you to pull away from the relegation places as the season progresses, and would probably have you down to finish somewhere between 10th and 15th. I’ll predict 12th, although I’m guessing Hammers fans might not be that confident.
5) If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would you choose and why?
It has to be Payet doesn’t it? I’ve actually been really disappointed with his attitude when I’ve seen him in recent weeks, but in terms of talent, he is unbelievable. Klopp would get the best out of him.I really like Aaron Cresswell too, and I believe he is a boyhood Liverpool fan. We could do with a new left-back, even though James Milner has been really good there. He can’t go on forever.
6) Which Liverpool player will be key to your title hopes this season?
There’s several, to be honest. The beauty of Liverpool this season is that we aren’t hugely reliant on one player, like we have been in the past with the likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard. Philippe Coutinho is a wonderful player, and prior to his injury, I think he was the most in-form player in the Premier League. Roberto Firmino is different in style but just as important – he is my personal favourite currently – Jordan Henderson is crucial at the base of the midfield and Joel Matip was a massive miss against Bournemouth last weekend. I haven’t even mentioned Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane, who are also very influential.
7) What is Liverpool’s achilles heel? Where do they need to improve?
Much has been made about them having a weak defence, but a lot of that is a myth. In lots of games, they’ve barely allowed teams decent efforts on goal.
They are shaky from set-pieces, though, and as we saw against Bournemouth, they have an ability to fall apart as soon as they come under any sort of pressure. There seems to be a mental block there, although Klopp is making a different in that respect. Opponents will always have a chance of hitting us on the counter-attack too, but so many seem terrified to even take that risk because of leaving gaps for our attackers.
8) How do you expect Liverpool to setup against West Ham on Sunday/ Team/formation prediction?
It will be the 4-3-3 that has been such a success this season, although Coutinho is definitely out, which is obviously a big blow.
Loris Karius is under pressure to perform in goal but will keep his place; Nathaniel Clyne, Matip, Dejan Lovren and Milner will make up the back-four; Henderson, Emre Can and Adam Lallana are the likely midfield three – Georginio Wijnaldum could start if Lallana is not yet fully fit – and Mane, Firmino and Divock Origi will start in attack.
There will be the usual relentless pressing, dominance of possession and chances created, although Liverpool’s level has dipped a little in the last three or four games. If West Ham can silence Anfield in the first 20 minutes, it could get tense.
9) What is your score Prediction for Sunday?
I think Liverpool will win, but I also believe West Ham will cause them trouble at times, despite their current struggles. I reckon 3-1.
My thanks to Henry for his answers. You can follow Henry on Twitter: @HenryJackson87 and read his work at thisisanfield.com, where he is a feature writer and match reporter.
I am not optimistic than we can win a second time in two seasons at Anfield after waiting 52 years. I find it difficult to predict a loss so I will go for a 1-1 draw and gladly accept a point at Liverpool. Come On You Irons Sean @WestHamFootball on twitter