2017-18 fan season preview: West Ham
By Andrew Becker.
What are your feelings ahead of the new season?
Really good compared to the shocking performance for most of last season; Payet played a big role in making the first half of the season embarrassing. His lack of energy prior to his strike affected the whole team and it was clear the team’s performance picked up after he left. Good riddance! With some great summer signings and hopefully a fitter squad to start the season, as well as some comfort in the new home now, I can see a top-10 finish and a season rivalling that of 2015-16.
How pleased have you been with your transfer business to date?
Extremely happy. Joe Hart is a great addition. Randolph and Adrian have been great in parts, but never consistent for long periods. Providing we don’t give too many free-kicks just outside the box, where he has had trouble in international games, he will have a good season on loan. Chicharito, fantastic to get a well-experienced striker into the line-up and I see him having a far more successful start to the season compared to Zaza. Zabaleta is a solid defensive player, which is great as we need a more solid backline. Arnautovic, scored on debut in the pre-season game so that is a good sign he is settling in quickly.
How is your team likely to line up?
Hart in goal. Zabaleta, Reid, Cresswell and Masuaku in the backline. Kouyate and Antonio (if back from injury), Noble and Obiang in the midfield and Chicharito and Arnautovic in front!
Who will be your most important player?
Manuel Lanzini, he plays with so much passion it inspires the team and the fans to create an unreal atmosphere.
Who is the unsung hero in your squad?
I think Mark Noble, he doesn’t get a lot of credit but he is West Ham from head to toe. Never gives up, always hustling and the team does better when he is on the pitch.
What do you expect from Liverpool this season?
I see them in for a top-four finish again.
If you could have one Liverpool player in your team, who would it be?
Coutinho, the way he played against us at home last season would make anyone want him off the opposition and on their own team.
Top four (in order)?
Man City
Liverpool
Man U
Chelsea
Relegated?
Burnley
Huddersfield
Swansea
Surprise package?
Brighton, mainly cause I want another team close to London in the Premier League! I think their fight to the Premier League shows that they have heart and it would be great for them to continue up the ranks.
What is your biggest wish for the season?
To get back into European football. Last year’s Europa League was awful but I think with the quality in the team and a little more depth we can get back there.