West Ham v Liverpool – Premier League Preview | OneFootball

West Ham v Liverpool – Premier League Preview

After a horrible loss at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, the scheduled turnaround sees Liverpool head to the London Stadium this Saturday lunchtime (that dreaded 12.30 kick-off), where West Ham awaits the former title-challenging giants. Elimination from the Europa League was handed out to both these teams last midweek, with the home side struggling to raise their spirits in the aftermath. David Moyes and his side needed a week of rest and recalibration, whereas the Reds will look to muster the energy to play again just a few days after the Merseyside Derby.

West Ham Availability

Regarding availability, George Earthy is out, whereas Konstantinos Mavropanos, Nayef Aguerd, and Jarrod Bowen all face late fitness tests for David Moyes.

Regarding recent form, the Hammers lost 5-2 at Crystal Palace at the weekend after falling to a surprise 0-2 defeat at home to visiting Fulham. A positive 1-2 away win was attained at Wolves, whereas a two-legged loss to Bayer Leverkusen (3-1 on aggregate) was sustained either side of the Fulham loss. Following 34 games played, the east London outfit have attained 48 points and sit 8th in the Premier League standings.

A predicted lineup for the home team is listed below in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

GK – Alphonse Areola RB – Vladimír Coufal RCB – Kurt Zouma LCB – Konstantinos Mavropanos LB – Aaron Cresswell CDM – Edson Álvarez CM – James Ward-Prowse ACM – Jarrod Bowen RW – Mohammed Kudus CF – Michail Antonio LW – Lucas Paquetá

Liverpool Availability

Regarding injuries, Thiago Alcântara remains on the Anfield missing list and is unlikely to play for Liverpool again. Joël Matip has sustained a season-ending ACL injury, which may have also seen him play his last game for the club. Diogo Joga has endured yet another setback and is noted as being unavailable for the next ten days. No other injuries appeared to stem from the Goodison Park encounter, though some bruised egos should be in effect.

Regarding recent form, that 2-0 loss against Everton came after a decisive 1-3 weekend win over Fulham, which followed a 0-1 win at Atalanta. That trio of games was preceded by a 1-0 home loss to Palace, to compound a disappointing fortnight of football. After 34 games played, Liverpool has amassed a 74-point total and sits 3rd in the table, three points behind table-topping Arsenal.

Below is the team. I believe the Reds German manager will start in the capital, and some solid rotation is needed.

GK – Alisson Becker RB – Joe Gomez RCB – Jarell Quansah LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c) LB – Kostas Tsimikas RCM – Ryan Gravenberch CDM – Waturu Endō LCM – Alexis Mac Allister RF – Luis Díaz CF – Jayden Danns LF – Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out

I can only see another poor result, especially given the short turnaround for the beleaguered reds. Invention and motivation are at an all-time low and though he may not even start, I hope that my player to watch is given a chance to make an impact. The failure of many should open the doors for a few, therefore, more academy graduates should be allowed the opportunity to salvage their clubs season.

Player to watch – Jayden Danns

Score Prediction; West Ham 2 – 2 Liverpool

Steven Smith