West Ham vs Liverpool Match Preview
It’s that time again… Vinolin gives us his thoughts and a few facts ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the capital to face West Ham United on Saturday evening.
Match Preview
Liverpool head to the London Stadium on the back of consecutive 3-0 wins at Anfield. This match comes just before the international break and both sides will be hoping for all three points. West Ham boss Slaven Bilić, once again managed to save his job with a win against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup. The pressure is still on him however, with the Hammers languishing in 16th position on the league table. The Reds can gain some ground on their ‘top 6 rivals’ with a win on Saturday as Super Sunday will see at least two of the ‘top 6 sides’ in the league dropping points.
Last Meeting: West Ham 0-4 Liverpool (14th May 2017)
The last premier league encounter between these two sides ended in a 4-0 win for the Reds at the London Stadium. Goals from Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and a brace from Phil Coutinho gave Liverpool all three points. That result proved pivotal in the top four race as Liverpool went on to secure a Champions League playoff spot.
West Ham have been a bogey side for the Reds in recent times. Tomorrows visitors have only won one of their last six encounters against the Hammers in recent times.
Team and Injury News
The Hammers are still without the injured James Collins, Michael Antonio and want away striker Diafra Sakho. Goal poacher Javier Hernandez will be itching to play this game given his past performances for Manchester United against Liverpool.
The 3-0 win against Maribor in midweek came at an expense for the Reds as Gini Wijnaldum limped off with an ankle injury. It remains to be seen whether he is available for selection for the West Ham game. The Reds will still be without Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Phil Coutinho, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne.
Predicted Lineup
WHU (3-5-2): Hart, Fonte, Ogbonna, Kouyate, Zabaleta, Fernandes, Lanzini, Noble, Creswell, Ayew, Chicharito
LFC (4-3-3): Mignolet, Gomez, Matip, Klavan, Moreno, Henderson, Milner, Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Firmino
Prediction
West Ham 1 – 3 Liverpool – Both teams’ defence have question marks around them ahead of this match. The Hammers are desperate for a win and manger Bilić will know a heavy loss on Saturday could result in his departure over the International break. The Reds should have too much firepower and they should take home all three points.
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