The Independent's football writer Simon Hart lifts the lid on Saturday's opponents
The Independent’s football writer Simon Hart gives us the lowdown on Saturday's visitors.
Everton are currently ninth in the league table, what have you made of their start to the season?
“Away from home they’ve looked really dangerous, and they look like they can really hurt teams. At home, they’ve had more of a challenging fixture list, they’ve played the two Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Chelsea. Whereas away, they hadn’t lost an away game until they played Arsenal two weeks ago, even in that game they showed what a good attacking threat they have.”
Last season, Roberto Martinez came under a bit of pressure, what’s his standing with the Everton fans now?
“He was under pressure after last season’s disappointment. With the difficult fixture list he knew they needed to start well, it hasn’t been spectacular but it’s been pretty solid overall. There have definitely been more positives then minuses. An additional source of optimism is their League Cup run which makes a nice change given their record in recent years.
“The win against Sunderland was very important because they’d won just one win before that game. They really needed to demonstrate to the home supporters what they can do; winning 6-2 certainly did that.”
Romelu Lukaku always seems to score against West Ham, who else has caught the eye this season?
“Let’s hope he keeps his tradition going! He played extremely well against Sunderland and he’s clearly enjoying the developing partnership with Arouna Kone. Kone has been a bit of a revelation, there were a few boos when he came on against Watford, but he helped turn that game and scored the equalising goal. He looks fit finally after a series of injuries; you can now see why Martinez wants him in the first team.
“Ross Barkley has looked a more confident player, he’s still learning but there have been some good signs from him. Gareth Barry has had some very good games and Phil Jagielka was in superb form until the injury. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.
“The other revelation is Brendan Galloway, with Baines being injured, which was a huge blow, the inexperienced Galloway has come in and done really, really well. He’s not been daunted by the games he’s played in at all. He’s grown in confidence and looks like a really exciting prospect.”
Everton are currently ninth in the league table, what have you made of their start to the season?
“Away from home they’ve looked really dangerous, and they look like they can really hurt teams. At home, they’ve had more of a challenging fixture list, they’ve played the two Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Chelsea. Whereas away, they hadn’t lost an away game until they played Arsenal two weeks ago, even in that game they showed what a good attacking threat they have.”
Last season, Roberto Martinez came under a bit of pressure, what’s his standing with the Everton fans now?
“He was under pressure after last season’s disappointment. With the difficult fixture list he knew they needed to start well, it hasn’t been spectacular but it’s been pretty solid overall. There have definitely been more positives then minuses. An additional source of optimism is their League Cup run which makes a nice change given their record in recent years.
“The win against Sunderland was very important because they’d won just one win before that game. They really needed to demonstrate to the home supporters what they can do; winning 6-2 certainly did that.”
Romelu Lukaku always seems to score against West Ham, who else has caught the eye this season?
“Let’s hope he keeps his tradition going! He played extremely well against Sunderland and he’s clearly enjoying the developing partnership with Arouna Kone. Kone has been a bit of a revelation, there were a few boos when he came on against Watford, but he helped turn that game and scored the equalising goal. He looks fit finally after a series of injuries; you can now see why Martinez wants him in the first team.
“Ross Barkley has looked a more confident player, he’s still learning but there have been some good signs from him. Gareth Barry has had some very good games and Phil Jagielka was in superb form until the injury. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.
“The other revelation is Brendan Galloway, with Baines being injured, which was a huge blow, the inexperienced Galloway has come in and done really, really well. He’s not been daunted by the games he’s played in at all. He’s grown in confidence and looks like a really exciting prospect.”
Today’s game is the first time Slaven Bilic faces Everton as a Premier League manager, how do you think he’s coped since arriving in the summer?
“Looking at some of the results I think he’s done well. He’s always been a colourful character with his law degree and personality. He’s certainly not your average manager.
“As a player at Everton, he didn’t really get the chance to show what he could do as he was injured for a large part. It was also a difficult time at the club as they managed to avoid relegation. I haven’t seen any West Ham games live yet; from the highlights I’ve seen I’ve been very impressed.”
What is your prediction for Saturday's score?
“Lukaku hat-trick for sure! Hopefully Adrian won’t score this time though, that was a great cup tie and what the FA Cup is all about. Evertonians will certainly miss coming to Upton Park, it’s a great place to watch football, but they have a freakishly good record here compared to other London clubs!”
“Looking at some of the results I think he’s done well. He’s always been a colourful character with his law degree and personality. He’s certainly not your average manager.
“As a player at Everton, he didn’t really get the chance to show what he could do as he was injured for a large part. It was also a difficult time at the club as they managed to avoid relegation. I haven’t seen any West Ham games live yet; from the highlights I’ve seen I’ve been very impressed.”
What is your prediction for Saturday's score?
“Lukaku hat-trick for sure! Hopefully Adrian won’t score this time though, that was a great cup tie and what the FA Cup is all about. Evertonians will certainly miss coming to Upton Park, it’s a great place to watch football, but they have a freakishly good record here compared to other London clubs!”