West Ham United are currently struggling in the 17th position and 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.
Let us take a brief look at the 3 key battles of the match.
DIMITRI PAYET VS NATHANIEL CLYNE
The French star has not yet found his best form and with the team stuck in a mire, seems to be having motivational issues. But he has to put his hand up and be counted. He possesses enough quality to unsettle the best defenders in the world and the Hammers will be looking at him to provide the creative spark and with the likelihood of Andy Carroll leading the line, Payet’s set-piece deliveries will be crucial.
Clyne might have to curb his attacking instincts and pay close attention to the West Ham man as he is one of the very few in the team who can single-handedly make a difference.
DIVOCK ORIGI VS WINSTON REID
The youngster has looked enthusiastic and with the injury to Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho, will be hoping to impress the manager and make his decision making difficult when Sturridge returns from injury. Firmino and Origi have looked fluid and have been flexible in swapping and changing positions during the game.
Origi will be confident on a personal level having scored in his last appearance and will look to add to his tally. West Ham have been bad defensively and Reid has been the only one showing some consistency. He will have to be in form and will be key for Bilic.
MARK NOBLE VS JORDAN HENDERSON
The seasoned pro has looked helpless at times in front the incessant attacking pressure on his team and the game has gone by him on multiple occasions now. But he can’t be faulted for trying and his passion and commitment to the club’s cause is unquestionable.
On a potentially difficult day for the Hammers, he will have to raise his game. Henderson has been in good form himself and it will be an interesting duel between the two Englishmen.
