Opposition view – West Ham Utd

We speak to West Ham ’til I die‘s Sean Whetstone ahead of the Swans’ trip to the London Stadium this weekend…

What have you made of your start to the season?

It hasn’t been the greatest of starts for the Hammers with three away games in a row all of which were losses. We have four points to our name and they have been earned with a little luck.

There’s been grumblings between Slaven Bilic and the two David’s. Do you think his job is on the line and how do you feel about the situation?

David Sullivan and David Gold are not sackers. Slav wont be sacked unless he loses six games in a row or loses the dressing room. It is more likely his contract will run down to the summer like Sam Allardyce’s did, and we will get a new manager for next season. Personally I do think we need new ideas and a new man next season.

You made quite a few signings during the summer. Are you happy with those dealings?

We said we wanted quality not quantity over the summer and all four signings do have quality. Hopefully they will start to deliver. Some fans have moaned why our net spend was only £19m and that we missed out on Carvalho, but overall I think we did good business in the summer window.

What are your expectations this term?

Before the start of the season I would tell you a top-eight finish, but now a top-12 finish would be my expectation at the end of the season.

What do you make of Swansea?

I think you have struggled of late and you has been skirting with relegation. Swansea used to known as one of best run clubs and a financial model to admire. I don’t know enough about your club to know where it is going wrong.

Predict the score and where both teams will finish…

Paul Merson and Mark Lawrenson have both predicted a 2-0 win for West Han and I am happy to agree with them for once in my life.

I am sure it won’t be a one sided affair though! We never win the easy way.

As for league position I predict West Ham in 10th place and Swansea in 14th place at the end of the Premier League season.