Ace Football previews the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Liverpool continue the defense of their Premier League title at home to West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday night.
Both sides have been in relatively decent form of late, despite the congested fixture list. Liverpool, for instance, are level on points with league leaders Everton, while a four-match unbeaten run has steered West Ham clear of the relegation zone.
The Hammers will now hope to capitalize on their opponents’ defensive woes to spring a surprise result at Anfield. But, considering Michail Antonio’s injury setback, can they really pull it off? Whichever team scores first will probably set the tone for the match.
Liverpool Form & Stats
The Reds’ defensive crisis went from bad to worse in their midweek Champions League win over Midtjylland, with makeshift center-back Fabinho having to leave the pitch early in the game with an injury.
Jurgen Klopp has ruled the Brazilian out until after the international break. It leaves him with a dilemma on his hands, as Virgil van Dijk is also out with a long-term knee injury and Joel Matip is doubtful. He’ll likely resort to youngsters Rhys Williams, Nathaniel Phillips, and Billy Koumetio on Saturday.
Beating Midtjylland 2-0, however, extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run to four games in all competitions. Now it’s about keeping up their good form to leapfrog Everton in the Premier League table in their pursuit of back-to-back titles.
That, on top of Alisson Becker’s return in goal, should leave Liverpool optimistic of three points this weekend.
Key Team Stats
- Unbeaten in their last eight league games against West Ham (W6 D2).
- Won 28 of their last 29 home league games.
- BTTS in their last five home league games.
West Ham United Form & Stats
Holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw last weekend extended West Ham’s unbeaten run to four games. It’s moved them up to 12th-place in the standings and, crucially, seven points above the drop zone. Therefore, they’ll be in a relatively confident mood ahead of the trip to Anfield.
David Moyes’ side have even fared well against the top-six challengers this season, having held Tottenham and City to draws. They also claimed memorable victories over Leicester City and Wolves recently.
Things are clearly on the up for the Hammers, who hope to end an eight-game winless run against Liverpool. Given their opponents’ injury woes and defensive record this season, they’ll fancy their chances. Although losing Antonio to injury could prove a game-changer for the visitors.
Key Team Stats
- Lost just one of their last five away league games (W2 D2).
- Scored first-half goals in four of their last five league games.
- Over 2.5 goals in five of their last six away league games.
Team News
Liverpool
Out: Virgil van Dijk, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, & Fabinho.
Doubt/s: Naby Keita, Joel Matip, Thiago, & Konstantinos Tsimikas.
West Ham
Out: Michail Antonio.
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Head-To-Head Analysis
Match Facts
Betting Tips
Other Betting Odds
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Liverpool
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
