West Ham defender James Collins says he is relishing the chance to face Everton striker Romelu Lukaku tomorrow.
The Belgian is the Premier League’s top goalscorer with 24 goals and has an incredible record facing the Hammers, scoring in his last nine games against the London club.
Collins says he is aware of the record but he is looking forward to the test of playing against Lukaku nonetheless. He told the club’s official programme (quotes via WHUFC.com):
“Of course, Lukaku has got a good record against us, and we probably haven’t defended as well against him as we could have done in games gone by. Physically, he has got everything, he is big, strong and he can finish so it’s going to be a tough game.
“He’s obviously on top of his game, but I’m happy with the way I’m playing at the minute, so I’m looking forward to pitting my wits against one of the best strikers in the Premier League.”
Collins may not start tomorrow’s match though with centre back Winston Reid back to full fitness. Whether Slaven Bilic will consider replacing £8m signing Jose Fonte with Reid, instead of benching Collins, it remains to be seen.
Fonte’s struggles for West Ham would suggest he would be the one to make way if Reid is available to start tomorrow’s encounter at the London Stadium. In his 11 games for the Hammers, the side have conceded 23 times and kept just one clean sheet.
