Liverpool: The View From Upton Park

As part of Vital Liverpool's buildup to the Premier League clash with West Ham United we've interviewed a Hammers fan for their thoughts on the game...

Sunday afternoon's Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool sees a clash between the sides in 8th and 11th respectively (at the time of writing).

Both sides will be looking to build upon home victories in their last league fixture when they meet at Upton Park this weekend.

A big thank you to Vital West Ham editor Rossy for agreeing to answer the following questions ahead of the game for us...

Q. How has your season gone so far and where do you expect to finish?
I'd say, so far, it has gone quite well. Getting promoted from the Championship our aim was to simply ensure we stayed up. As it turned out we got off to our best start, in the Premier League, ever. Results have dipped recently but we've been mixing it with the likes of United, Spurs and Chelsea with the latter being soundly beaten last weekend. As for where we'll finish, I'd be more than happy with a top half finish, anything else would be a bonus.

Q. Who are the West Ham player(s) we should look out for?
If I were to select two, I'd go for Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan. The former is vastly under-rated and his ball-wining abilities are what keep us ticking over. As for the latter, he's got this knack of being in the right place at the right time and his goals are a vital ingredient of our ongoing season.

Q. How has Andy Carroll been getting on during his loan spell from Liverpool?
He started off great, the fans were right behind him but then he picked up an injury. On his return he settled back down well but despite his enormous efforts he couldn't get on the score sheet. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he scored in the 3-1 defeat to Spurs at White Hart Lane. Unfortunately, he's now picked up a knee injury and is sidelined until the New Year.

Q. What have you made of Liverpool so far this season and where do you expect us to finish?
I've not seen much of you to be honest but what I have seen it appears you are heading in the right direction. But progress takes time and I'm not sure time it's something many Premier League clubs give their managers these days. As for predicting a finish, I'll opt for seventh!

Q. Do you believe Brendan Rodgers was the right man for the job and will prove a success long-term?
I guess it comes back to that thing called time! Will Rodgers be given the time to turn things around or is there an urge for instant success? Whilst Rodgers was a success, relatively, at Swansea, it shouldn't be forgotten that he struggled at Watford and Reading. Therefore, as far as I'm concerned the jury is still out.

Q. Which Liverpool player(s) do you rate the most and why?
I'd opt for Steven Gerrard! Although he's approaching the twilight years of his career, he can still boss a game with his drive, sheer hard work and ability to influence maters.

Q. What is your probable line up for the game and how do you think you can be successful against Liverpool?
I reckon West Ham's line-up will be something like: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, O'Brien, Nolan, Diame, Noble, O'Neil, Jarvis, Cole. As for being successful, if we can keep it tight, not make any mistakes and take our chances, it might be a case of job done.

Q. What's your prediction for the result?
I'll be brave and opt for a Hammers win, by the only goal of the game.

So that's what he thinks, how about you? Let us know your thoughts and predictions for the game below or vote in our poll to the right...

Click here for our full Premier Preview of the game

Click here to read former Red Mark Lawrenson's prediction

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Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.