Struggling West Ham United will travel to Anfield on Sunday to take on Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool who will be eager to come back from their disappointing collapse last week against Bournemouth. The Reds were winning the game 1-3 at Dean Court but went on to lose 4-3 by conceding three in the final 14 minutes. The Premier League title hopefuls need to get back their confidence in order to shrug off the Hammers.
West Ham’s form has been dismal this season but Liverpool fans will be concerned with their recent record against the East London side. They have failed to beat them in five of the last six meetings and must be careful while approaching the game.
West Ham do have quality in their side but somehow they are not being able to deliver. Here are three West Ham players who will be a big threat to Liverpool’s hopes of winning the game.
Mark Noble
West Ham have disappointed as a unit this season and their skipper Mark Noble has not been able to inspire the side with his leadership. However, his performance in the middle of the park haven’t been all that bad.
The Englishman boasts an impressive passing success of 89.2% this season. He has also played 4.3 long balls every game and with Andy Carroll back in the side, West Ham’s attack will definitely become more dangerous. Liverpool’s midfield trio must ensure that they can nullify the threat posed by Noble and he does not control the game.
Andy Carroll
West Ham have struggled for goals this season during the time Carroll was injured. None among Zaza, Fletcher or Calleri could step up to fill in the big Englishman’s shoes but with Carroll coming back from injury, West Ham fans will be hoping for better times.
Once a Liverpool forward, he will be eager to hurt his former employers back when he goes back to Anfield once again. Liverpool defence is not the best when it comes to aerial duels and Carroll can use that to his advantage.
Dimitri Payet
Despite West Ham’s poor form this season, their star playmaker Dimitri Payet has been ever-impressive. The French attacking midfielder has scored once and set up five goals from 12 Premier League outings this season. He has been excellent in creating chances.
The 29-year-old has played an impressive 3.9 key passes every game this season. It is a shame that the attackers have let his good work down time and again. However, Liverpool must be wary of the threat Payet can pose on his own.
