|
Sam Allardyce has dismissed the concept that Liverpool are a one-man team as West Ham prepare to host the Anfield club who are without the suspended Luis Suarez.
The Uruguay international, who has scored 10 Barclays Premier League goals this term, will miss the trip to Upton Park through suspension.
After beating London rivals Chelsea last weekend, the Hammers are tipped to see off the challenge from Liverpool who sit three places beneath them in 11th in the table. But Allardyce insists his side won't 'underestimate' Liverpool.
Missing: Suarez is suspended for Liverpool's trip to West Ham
'People are suggesting Sunday's game against Liverpool at Upton Park should be pretty straightforward for us with Luis Suarez being suspended,' Allardyce wrote in his Evening Standard column.
'I accept that Suarez is an important player for them but believing Liverpool are a one-man team would be incredibly foolish.
'Put it this way - we were without Andy Carroll, George McCartney, Yossi Benayoun, Ricardo Vaz Te, Jack Collison and Alou Diarra against Chelsea last weekend but still beat them 3-1. Missing that many players was far more damaging than Liverpool without Suarez.
Hammer time: West Ham ran out 3-1 winners over Chelsea on Saturday
'We cannot and will not underestimate Liverpool. They're playing well, their points tally is increasing and we will need to replicate that second-half spectacular against Chelsea, if we are to do well. I have often said we have to be at 100 per cent to win a Premier League game. If you'll excuse the exaggeration, I thought we were 110 per cent in that second 45 minutes against Chelsea.'
Meanwhile, Allardyce is confident the atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium will be better than Upton Park if West Ham's move goes ahead.
The club were selected as the preferred organisation to move into the Olympic Stadium following its vacation after the London 2012 Games.
Upton Park – now officially named the Boleyn Ground – has been the home of West Ham football club since 1904.
Moving house: The Olympic Stadium could become West Ham's new home
But after more than a century there they are now close to a move to the 80,000-capacity stadium.
And Allardyce said: 'There was a wonderful atmosphere at Highbury. There is a better atmosphere at the Emirates. There is a wonderful atmosphere at Upton Park. There will be an better atmosphere at the Olympic Park.'
Yesterday vice-chairman Karen Brady emailed the club's Supporters Advisory Board to make it clear the fans would be consulted before any move went ahead.
In the email she said: 'It is important to understand that while the decision represents a huge step forward, as we have stated throughout, preferred bidder status does not mean that West Ham United have at this stage agreed to the move.
Net gains: Upton Park has been West Ham's home for over 100 years
'It remains the case that we will only do so if the final proposal is right for the club and our supporters. This includes the necessity of agreeing a Stadium design specification that is acceptable to us in terms of its ability to host world- class football matches.This is the time for supporters to have their voices heard and a more intensive consultation process will commence immediately.'
And Allardyce believes it can only be a good thing for the future of the club.
The 58-year-old added: 'I think it is outstanding news for the club although there is still a long way to go. We are in the driving seat. It will be a fantastic venue for the future of West Ham United.'
not sure who is gonna be upfront for us on sunday ?? - gazza , sussex, United Kingdom, ********** Who is 'US', Brighton and Hove Albion? Crawley Town? maybe Lewes F.C. I can't understand plastic fans.- Bill , Wasp in the South, United Kingdom........ Bill you always seem to be commenting on Liverpool FC articles and from what I've seen I've come to one conclusion, you are a bitter person
- JaiJai , Bristol, 07/12/2012 18:23
Report abuse