After what has been a terrible season for the Hammers, the best ending for the London side could be with back-to-back wins against title challengers Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. And given their recent few displays, a slim win might be fancied by Slaven Bilic this weekend.
The Hammers will surely be brimming with confidence after a hard-fought win over Spurs last week and Liverpool have definitely not been a better side than the North-London side this season. The Reds come at the back of an annoying draw against Southampton last game and would like to wrap up their top four qualifications with a routine win.
However, their record against West Ham doesn’t indicate that. The London club have won their last two home games against Liverpool in the league and Liverpool have also struggled to keep a clean sheet against West Ham, just one in the last 10 league encounters.
The only concern would be Liverpool’s late away form. The Reds have won their last three away games in the league and a fourth will possibly be their biggest win of the season.
Possible West Ham United XI Vs Liverpool
Defence
Adrian is likely to take his position under the bar. Bilic has been indecisive throughout the season about a settled number 1 in that role. Both Darren Randolph and Adrian have got more or equal chances to prove their mettle, but to no effect with the side conceding 59 goals so far. A new shot-stopper is coming this summer and one of them is likely to departure.
We expect Bilic to play a five-man defence this time too, given Liverpool’s attacking approach. Aaron Cresswell and Sam Byram will take the defensive flanks. Both the players have enough speed to catch Liverpool on the counter.
The central defence will be featuring Winston Reid, Jose Fonte and James Collins. The trio is quite experienced and looks sufficient to stop Firmino, Origi and Coutinho.
Midfield
The central midfield will be taken by the regular Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate. The duo could provide the perfect balance to West Ham’s balance and go on the offensive when given space. Liverpool often send five players in full-attack mode and Noble could be a big threat in such scenarios.
The flanks will be taken by Manuel Lanzini and Andre Ayew. Lanzini has been Bilic’s only transfer who has brought results this term, scoring eight times and assisting twice. Ayew is an impact player who can bring in pace and urgency in the attacking third.
Attack
Andy Carroll has a chance of returning and Bilic will take the gamble of the player facing his former club.
