Jürgen Klopp is yet to taste a victory against West Ham so far and will be eager to get the better of the Hammers on Sunday when his Liverpool side host Slaven Bilic’s West Ham United. West Ham’s season so far has been nothing but a disaster as the East London club find themselves just one point above the relegation zone. On the other hand, Klopp has started making the fans dream about their first League title since 1990 and will hope that the collapse against Bournemouth last week does not affect his team’s morale.
Slaven Bilic is running out of time at the Olympic Stadium and if he fails to inspire the side really soon, we might see him ending up losing the job. Last season, West Ham recorded a league double over Liverpool for the first time since 1963-64, and knocked Jürgen Klopp’s side out of the FA Cup too. But, they are without a win in their last six games and it is the ideal opportunity for the Reds to take revenge.
Liverpool play their weekend game after fellow title challengers Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City and the gap between them and Chelsea could be seven when they kick off against the Hammers. It is a must win game for the Reds to keep themselves in real contention for the title.
Team news
Liverpool
Liverpool’s talismanic midfielder Adam Lallana is pushing for a start having made his comeback from a groin problem as a substitute on Sunday. Striker Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out of the next two matches as he continues his recovery from a calf injury. Philippe Coutinho also sits out with injury but Joel Matip is back from injury which will be a big boost for the Reds especially with Andy Carroll spearheading the opponents’ attack.
West Ham United
For West Ham, Antonio and Cresswell have been back in training this week and both could start the game. However, this game comes too soon for Cheikhou Kouyaté who is still recovering from a groin injury. James Collins (muscular injury), Reece Oxford (ankle) and Diafra Sakho (hamstring) are all unavailable.
Predicted lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3): Karius; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Lallana, Henderson, Can; Mane, Origi, Firmino
West Ham United (3-4-3): Randolph; Arbeloa, Reid, Ogbonna; Antonio, Noble, Obiang, Cresswell, Cresswell; Lanzini, Carroll, Payet
Key players
Liverpool: Divock Origi
With Sturridge and Coutinho out with injury, if wasn’t looking all that bright for Liverpool. Fortunately, young Divock Origi has been impressive of late having scored three goals in his last three games. The Belgian will be a massive threat to the West Ham goal.
West Ham United: Andy Carroll
West Ham need some inspiration badly and they need it really soon. Under such circumstances, Andy Carroll’s comeback from injury will make the fans optimistic. The former Liverpool striker will be keen to put one over his former employers and will be confident he can exploit Liverpool defensively with his aerial ability.
Odds
Liverpool to win: 3/10
Draw price at: 51/10
West Ham to win: 19/2
