Opposition Focus: West Ham

WEST HAM UNITED VS FULHAM | 7TH NOVEMBER 2020

Image: Sky Sports

Matt Wiggins spoke to Luc from West Ham Irons United to get a Hammers perspective ahead of Saturday night’s derby at the London Stadium…

West Ham vs Fulham, what comes to mind when you think of this fixture from years gone by?

Honestly, a dull London Derby that I always think we should win but never normally seems that easy haha.

Last season saw the return of David Moyes. What was the general reaction amongst fans and what were you expecting from that appointment?

The fans were mostly against Moyes coming back but not so much against him personally but what his return represented: a cheap and desperate choice. I was non-plussed about it; it made me laugh at the time as it was almost too predictable but then it was actually quite nice as it was possibly a bit harsh to let him go the first time. I expected to stay up in all honesty. I actually do like Moyes and how he’s managed himself as manager at the club.

You’ve picked up some great results already so far this season, including comfortable wins against Wolves and Leicester and the incredible comeback at Spurs. What do you think has been the key to that good run of form?

It’s been so typical of us to get the results we have when no one really expected it together with how we’ve gone about getting them. A combination of formation change and confidence boost has worked wonders for the team and even against Arsenal and Liverpool, we were unlucky to lose the way we did.

The summer transfer window saw the sale of Grady Diangana and public criticism from Mark Noble but also securing the likes of Said Benramha. What is your overall view of your transfer window?

The transfer was a complete joke in my opinion. Was hardly backed at all and wanted Josh King over Benrahma but Sullivan had the final say on that one. Diangana’s sale was embarrassing and when young English players are being sold for at least £50m+, it made a mockery of our transfer policy. The fans rightly criticised the board and it’s just a shame the owners didn’t leave then.

After promotion for us in 2018, Ryan Fredericks contract ended and he subsequently moved to West Ham. Has he been a good signing for you and does he still have a place in the team in your opinion?

He’s been a bit here and there. Too injury prone really and his form hasn’t justified him cementing the right back spot as his own. Probably the quickest player in the team, which does help him recover after mistakes in defence (sometimes his own fault) and makes him reliable when going toe-to-toe with pacey wingers. Coufal has come in and been an instant hit so it would take a lot for Fredericks to take that place over him now.

There are a number of players to have played for both sides. Which player stands out for you to have played for both and why?

For me Scott Parker instantly springs to mind as well as both Bobby Zamora and Moore. I really want Parker to do well in management as for us he was an absolute gladiator, for which I will always respect and appreciate him.

If there was one Fulham player you could have in your team, who would it be and why?

Mitrovic all day long. Huge fan of the guy and for me he’d be a great replacement if we sold Haller.

What are your Top 4 and Bottom 3 predictions?

Top Four: Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Leicester.

Bottom three: Sheffield Utd, Burnley, and, I don’t like to say it but, Fulham.

And finally, how do you see the game panning out?

This might make you laugh but I actually think this’ll be our biggest test so far. We won’t be expected to defend so vigilantly like we have been and it’ll be interesting to see what we are like with less pressure and a game plan more focused on attack. You’ll have confidence and momentum going into this game.

My prediction is West Ham winning 3-1.


Thanks to Luc from West Ham Irons United for answering  Check out their YouTube channel here