10 QUESTIONS: WEST HAM

Ross Davies, West Ham reporter from the East London and West Essex Guardian

Shane_WHUFC from westhamonline.net forum

How do you assess the first few games of this season?

Disastrous until two games ago. The comeback against Arsenal and the point at Sunderland suggests the team may have turned the corner and discovered that bit of confidence they badly need.

We started off great, an away 2-0 win at Wolves, but then we went on a poor run, and lost a good few games, which did include Liverpool and Tottenham to be fair.

Who's impressed so far?

One man...Carlton Cole. Became the focal point of West Ham's attack last season and they simply cannot afford to lose him in January. Brilliant in the air, excellent footwork, pace and strength in abundance.

Carlton Cole really looks to be getting better and better, he is such an important player for us. He knocks in a few goals and hold up play is superb.

Your assessment of the 2008/09 season?

Ninth place was an excellent achievement. Made all the more impressive given that it was Zola's first season in club management, who worked wonders with Steve Clarke.

I think Gianfranco Zola has done pretty well, considering the season we had before. We had a few injuries and still managed to finish in a decent place in the league.

Biggest loss to the squad?

Craig Bellamy's departure to Man City severely damaged the team's attack. With Cole finally delivering, that partnership could have been deadly. Also, James Collins was huge physical presence for the Hammers.

Has to be Dean Ashton, when he is fit, he is amazing. But he just never is fit. No idea when he is due back, don't think anyone is sure. Sad to see a great player have his career ruined through injuries.

Your best signing of the summer?

Alessandro Diamanti has looked good in his first few games. He likes to drop into the hole and provides a good link between the midfield and the attack. Has also got a vicious left foot and has bags of confidence.

I would probably say securing Herita Ilunga's loan deal or signing Diamanti. Ilunga is a very good left back, and I think - although erratic - Diamanti can be a special player once he settles in.

Who's got something to prove?

Zavon Hines in attack perhaps. He's looked lively when he's come on. Also, Mark Noble has had a quiet season so far, he needs to step up and be the team's quarterback from his midfield position.

Julien Faubert. Last season he was awful. For some reason Real Madrid took him on loan, and not surprisingly, he didn't get much playing time, and soon returned. He hasn't been that bad this season, apart from a couple of games such as Stoke away.

Your likely tactics?

Zola has varied between a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3. He'll probably go with the former - Jack Collison and Valon Behrami playing wide with Noble and Scott Parker in the middle. Cole and either Guillermo Franco or Diamanti up front.

I would have said 4-3-3, with two wide men to support Cole, but seeming that Cole is injured, it will be a 4-4-2, with a choice of Franco, Diamanti and Zavon Hines up front.

Which Everton player do you fear?

Yakubu. A battering ram up front that will test Tomkins in particular. Pace, power and a good finisher. Tim Cahill's movement and aerial prowess from set-pieces will also cause problems.

Probably Cahill. He is dangerous from corners - which we can be weak at defending - and is all round a very good player. Apart from him, maybe Yakubu if fully fit.

Predicted scoreline?

2-1 West Ham. I think they've turned the corner and the fans are really starting to get behind them. Players are starting to find form and I think a few wins are on the way. Plus, they've caught Everton at a good time.

I think we will just nick it 1-0. Disappointing result for Everton against Benfica, and we are confident after getting a long awaited win in the league last week.

Your predicted finish this season? 

13/14th. I think the blip is out of the way, and although the squad isn't particularly strong, the first team is certainly mid-table at worst.

15th