“That’s what terrifies me” – How Liverpool can expose “vulnerable” West Ham – Liverpool FC

Liverpool’s subsequent festive project sees them head to West Ham, however how a lot strain is Julen Lopetegui beneath?

The Reds received 3-1 at dwelling to Leicester on Boxing Day, guaranteeing that they went seven factors clear on the high of the Premier League earlier than Arsenal later diminished the hole to 6.

Subsequent up for Arne Slot‘s table-topping facet is a visit to West Ham within the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Hammers have had a season to overlook up to now, sitting thirteenth, however they did win 1-0 away to Southampton of their final outing.

Forward of the match, TIA spoke to West Ham fan James Jones (@ByJamesJones) to get the lowdown on the Hammers, Slot’s begin at Liverpool and the important thing battles on Sunday.

How completely happy are you with West Ham’s season up to now?

I can’t say I’ve been too happy with the season up to now, particularly off the again of the 4 years we’ve simply loved beneath David Moyes.

In equity, we knew it was going to be a transitional season, although.

Nonetheless, regardless of issues starting to enhance over the previous couple of weeks, it hasn’t been a contented transitional interval up up to now.

Is Lopetegui the appropriate man for the job?

I don’t suppose he’s. Issues have gotten higher these days, nevertheless it’s simply so exhausting to see a future the place Julen Lopetegui is main us to top-six finishes and improbable European runs.

It’s not like I believe he can’t obtain one thing like that, I simply don’t suppose he’ll be given sufficient time long-term to get us to that time.

He’s not common with the followers, and in consequence, I concern the strain on his shoulders will at all times be ready to come back down heavy on him after a few unhealthy outcomes.

Ultimately, the board will probably be beneath extra strain to make a change.

What’s the purpose for the season now?

A couple of weeks in the past, it was merely to make sure we’re not sucked right into a relegation dogfight.

Now, I’m wanting on the Premier League desk and questioning if we might sneak a top-10 end in opposition to all odds.

Two weeks in the past, we have been 14th, however simply a few wins off the highest seven, so we’re not precisely out of the dialog.

It’s simply so exhausting this 12 months as a result of so many groups are competing for the highest 12 spots.

Who’ve been West Ham’s greatest gamers? Who has struggled?

There haven’t been many celebrity performers this season, however Jarrod Bowen is doing effectively as ordinary.

In the meantime, Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tomas Soucek and Crysencio Summerville have additionally impressed.

Lucas Paqueta has been a disappointment, whereas Guido Rodriguez merely struggles with the tempo of the Premier League.

What are your ideas on Arne Slot at Liverpool?

I’m actually shocked at how effectively he’s achieved up to now.

I checked out Liverpool’s summer time enterprise and thought he would battle in consequence.

So many managers who comply with a membership legend discover it troublesome, however he’s taken the gamers up a degree from final season, which has been so spectacular.

He’s additionally an extremely likeable bloke.

How do you assess the title race?

It’s Liverpool’s to lose in the mean time, isn’t it?

Arsenal hold dropping factors, Chelsea have simply misplaced at dwelling to Fulham as I write this, and Man Metropolis seem to have fully forgotten tips on how to play soccer.

If Liverpool don’t win it from right here, I’ll be astounded.

What’s your favorite and worst reminiscence of video games in opposition to Liverpool?

There should not many favorite reminiscences, to be truthful.

The one which at all times stands out is the 3-0 win at Anfield in 2015.

It was our first at Anfield in over 50 years and it got here firstly of probably the most memorable seasons of my life up to now – the ultimate 12 months at Upton Park.

My worst reminiscence simply must be the 2006 FA Cup Closing.

For years after that recreation I felt like it might be the closest I’d ever get to seeing West Ham raise precise silverware in my lifetime.

Now that we’ve received one thing the ache from that day hurts rather less, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a horrible, horrible reminiscence.

Looking forward to Sunday, the place will the important thing battles happen?

Soucek and Rodriguez will probably be suspended, so our midfield goes to be fairly weak, so I don’t suppose Liverpool can have a lot downside enjoying via the center.

Defensively, we’re nonetheless very weak – we’ve averaged roughly 18 pictures conceded per recreation over the past 5 or 6 video games, and that’s what terrifies me forward of this recreation.

Permitting groups like Leicester, Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton to have so many pictures is totally completely different to permitting Liverpool the identical factor.

What’s your prediction?

We’re unbeaten in 4 video games and have improved rather a lot over the past two months, however I simply don’t see us constructing on that run right here.

It’s a little bit of a free hit for us.

Liverpool ought to run riot, however I’m going to attempt to stay semi-positive by predicting a 3-1 Reds win.