LIVERPOOL VS WEST HAM UNITED: PREVIEW

Liverpool return to Premier League action tomorrow as David Moyes’ impressive West Ham outfit visit Anfield. The Reds are coming off the back of a 2-1 win over Norwich in the FA Cup, whilst West Ham were beaten 3-1 at Southampton last time out. Here’s a preview of the clash.

It’s been another successful season so far for David Moyes and West Ham. They topped their Europa League group to secure progress into the knockout stages, where they have been paired against Sevilla.

That is another huge match for the Hammers as they have realistic hopes of going all the way in Europe, in their bid to qualify for the Champions League. They lie fifth in the Premier League table – two points behind Manchester United but level with Arsenal.

The Gunners have three games in hand on West Ham though, making the fight for top four an extremely tight one. The Hammers beat Liverpool 3-2 earlier this season, and repeating that feat will see them go fourth, for 24 hours at least.

They have two wins in their last six league games, drawing twice and losing to Leeds and Manchester United in that run. Their tally of 34 goals conceded is the joint second worst in the top half of the table. That suggests they can be got at, and at Anfield they will definitely be put under pressure.

Liverpool are in a great vein of form at the minute. They’ve won their last eleven games in a row in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and conceding just four. They’ve kept seven clean sheets in that run and clinched the League Cup trophy at Wembley on Sunday.

Talk of the quadruple is rife on Merseyside, as Jürgen Klopp’s side attacks the three remaining competitions. They’ve clawed back a 14 point gap to Manchester City and can go within three points of the Citizens with a win tomorrow.

That will heap pressure on City before they head into the Manchester derby on Sunday. The Reds are the topscorers in the league with a whopping 70 goals from just 26 matches, whilst their tally of 20 goals conceded is only bettered by City (17) and Chelsea (18).

Liverpool also boast the top three leading goalscorers (Salah, Jota and Mané) and assist providers (Salah, Trent, Robbo) in the entire league. They’re absolutely flying this season after a tough time of things last year.

Liverpool have the best home record in the division this season. They’ve won ten and drawn three of their 13 home league games. West Ham are no easy nut to crack however. The Hammers are competitive in every single game. David Moyes has instilled a battling spirit since re-joining the club.

They have tasted defeat 11 times in all competitions this season, but only two of those were by a two goal margin. The remaining nine defeats were all by the odd goal. Expect them to be at their battling best at Anfield tomorrow.

The Reds have a bit of a score to settle against David Moyes’ outfit. West Ham inflicted Liverpool’s first defeat of the season (3-2 at the London stadium). The fans will be in good voice, especially with the game being under the lights and we are set for another exciting encounter.

In his five home league games against West Ham, Jürgen Klopp has overseen four wins and a draw. The last two wins came against David Moyes and were both by the odd goal (2-1 & 3-2). It is no doubt going to be another tight battle at Anfield tomorrow night.

Team News

For Liverpool, Jürgen Klopp has ruled out Thiago Alcantara (hamstring) and Joel Matip (illness) out. Curtis Jones and Naby Keita are both doubts as well, with late decisions set to be taken on their inclusion.

For West Ham, Angelo Ogbonna (knee) is a long term absentee, with the Italian defender ruled out for the rest of the season. Vladimir Coufal (groin) is also out till next month whilst Andriy Yarmolenko is absent due to the current events in his homeland.

Ryan Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku will both be assessed ahead of the game after recovering from groin and knee issues respectively. The latter has been out injured since January. Tomas Soucek will also be assessed after suffering a facial injury last time out.

Key Players

Mohamed Salah

As usual, the Egyptian is a key player in this fixture. He’s the topscorer and top assist provider in the league this season and is cruising to the most one sided Golden Boot and PFA Player of the Year awards in recent times. He has an excellent record against the Hammers too, scoring 9 goals in 9 appearances.

Jordan Henderson

The skipper will be up against the man who has been keeping him out of the England side. Declan Rice is enjoying a fantastic season, his partnership with Soucek has formed the bedrock of Moyes’ side. Henderson will be crucial to bossing the midfield in Thiago’s absence.

Jarrod Bowen

Bowen has been exceptional this season. He’s directly contributed to 23 goals (12 goals, 11 assists) in all competitions this season, with only the two sets of Liverpool trios scoring more goals or providing more assists in the league. With rumours linking him with a move to Anfield, he will see this as an audition of sorts.