Liverpool vs West Ham United- Preview and Prediction

Both Liverpool and West Ham United suffered devastating defeats in their last outings and will want to recover quickly with a positive result this weekend.
This season has seen a blessing in disguise for Liverpool. The club that pride themselves on playing European football on a regular basis has seen Eurpean competiton eradicated from their season and Jurgen Klopp’s men are using this to their advantage with their quest for Premier League silverware the main priority. Last week’s loss was only their second of the season and, whilst it exposed some further defensive frailties, it doesn’t detract from what has, overall, been a hugely impressive season for the Reds. Meanwhile, West Ham’s season so far is very much different to the last campaign. With the move to the London Stadium taking its toll, the Hammers sit 17th in the table and face a battle against the drop zone.

LAST TIME OUT
Bournemouth 4-3 Liverpool
This was certain to be a Liverpool victory prior to this game at the Vitality Stadium, and when Sadio Mane, Divock Origi and Emre Can put the visitors 3-1 up, it looked like the points were in the bag for the Merseysiders. However, after Callum Wilson pulled a goal back for the hosts, substitute Ryan Fraser reduced the margin to just one. Centre-half Steve Cook put the game on level terms with a stunning strike before on loan Chelsea defender pounced on a Lorius Karius mistake to clinch all three points in surprising fashion.

West Ham 1-5 Arsenal
Many supporters of the claret and blue side desperately want Upton Park back from the rubble as the London Stadium is proving to be a bogey ground for Slaven Bilic’s men. German playmaker Mesut Ozil, England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and a remarkable Alexis Sanchez hat-trick saw the East Londoners being taught a footballing lesson in the late kick-off on Saturday evening after Andy Carroll returned from a three month injury lay-off to score his fourth goal in two game against Arsenal. Even after last season’ excellent exploits, which saw the Hammers finish in their highest position in the Premier League table in their history, this result came as no surprise given their recent performances.
KEYS TO THE GAME
West Ham’s signings
During the summer, owners David Gold and David Sullivan publically announced their desire to sign a world class striker to make a statement for their move to the new stadium. However, the additions of Jonathan Calleri, Gokhan Tore, Havard Nordveit and Simeone Zaza from Boca Juniors, Besiktas, Borussia Monchengladbach and Juventus respectively have not lived up to the expectations as none of them have scored or made an impact. Youngsters Edimilson Fernandes and Ashley Fletcher have been the best additions for West Ham and must prove against a top side that West ham’s summer business was not wasted.

Liverpool without Coutinho
The formation of 4-3-3 with a false number nine up front occupied by manager Jurgen Klopp has worked extremely well so far this season, as another title challenge beckons for the side currently sitting in second place. However, a key player in the shape of Brazilian Philippe Coutinho will be missing for the next six weeks with a relatively serious knee injury. The former Inter Milan playmaker has played an integral part so far and throughout his career at Anfield. Whilst Liverpool were able to score four in the Brazilian’s absence, it remains to be seen whether they continue their creativity without him.

Hammers’ Reaction
With West Ham’s poor start to the season raising questions from every corner of the footballing world, manager Slaven Bilic has been given the dreaded vote of confidence. After Liverpool comes two fixtures against fellow struggler Hull and Swansea, which will define the Hammers’ season. How the players react to the news of Bilic’s future starts on Sunday at Liverpool and they’ll want the same as last season’s astonishing 3-0 win, their first at Anfield for 56 years.

PREDICTION: Liverpool 1-1 West Ham