West Ham welcome Liverpool to the London Stadium in a match which has taken such proportions wherein the Hammers have to collect something in order to deflect a bit of pressure off them. The scrutiny is extreme and the results negligible. The Hammers have been browbeaten and the players look bereft of any confidence or passion. They had high hopes for this season and it was set to be the next big step in the club’s history. The new stadium promised a lot. The finances were looking good. The star players were committed and the Europa League was beckoning. But everything fell away spectacularly and now they have to start the rebuilding job from the scratch.
Currently struggling in the 17th position, they have to deal with the Reds who themselves will be looking to recover from an astonishing collapse last weekend. Leading 3-1 in the 63rd minute, they somehow conspired to let the match slip away and a nervy backline could not withstand the home team’s pressure. West Ham will also be looking to exploit that chink in Klopp’s well-made armour. Especially with Coutinho missing and a number of West Ham stars returning from injury, the Hammers just have to believe that they can pull off an upset.
PREDICTED WEST HAM UNITED LINE-UP VS LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Randolph’s momentary form and confidence would have gone for a toss after the mauling at the hands of Arsenal. But he has to pick himself up and try to come up with something special to thwart the Liverpool attackers. With the failure in the previous formation, Bilic might revert to a back-four. Arbeloa can start at right-back with Byram injured. Winston Reid and Ogbonna will be the most likely pair at the heart of defence. Aaron Creswell is in line for a return to the side and will take Arthur Masuaku’s side in the team.
MIDFIELD
A double-pivot might be a good option to go for the Hammers. Mark Noble can then be one of the two while Cheikhou Kouyate can be his partner. The Hammers’s midfielders haven’t been performing to their potential but they need to step up now. In the No.10 role, either Lanzini or Ayew can be played with both of them offering varied options.
ATTACK
Dimitri Payet is likely to be on the left wing while a returning Antonio can be lined up on the right wing. Andy Carroll came off the bench and scored and his presence up top will be key when considering the difficulty Liverpool have at set-pieces.
