---
title: "Potential Boost For West Ham As Liverpool Face Defensive Crisis"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2020/10/28/potential-boost-for-west-ham-as-liverpool-face-defensive-crisis/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2020-10-28T10:30:31Z"
modified: "2020-10-28T10:30:31Z"
---

# Potential Boost For West Ham As Liverpool Face Defensive Crisis

West Ham could have been handed a boost ahead of the trip to Premier League holders Liverpool on Saturday as Jurgen Klopp’s side defensive injuries mount up.

After losing Virgil van Dijk for what is [likely to be the duration](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/412585-virgil-van-dijk-knee-injury-surgery) of the 2020/21 campaign following a tackle by Jordan Pickford during the Merseyside derby. Liverpool were dealt a further blow on Tuesday night as Fabinho, who has been filling in for Van Dijk, was[forced off](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/oct/27/liverpool-midtjylland-champions-league-group-d-match-report)during a Champions League Group D match with a hamstring problem.

The Hammers travel to Anfield with their [own injury concern](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8880999/West-Ham-sweating-star-man-Antonios-fitness-went-second-game-row.html) as Michail Antonio aims to be fit to lead the line, and come up against what could be a fragile hosts defence.

With Joel Matip also sidelined, Klopp, [will likely](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12116320/jurgen-klopp-admits-fabinho-injury-last-thing-liverpool-needed-as-reds-defensive-crisis-worsens)turn to either Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips to partner Joe Gomez at centre-back.

19-year-old Williams replaced Fabinho and helped keep a clean sheet against Danish side FC Midtjylland, although the Irons will be hopeful of carrying a far [greater threat](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/25/West-Ham-United/stats?se=363) and potentially exploiting the [inexperienced defender](https://www.transfermarkt.com/rhys-williams/leistungsdaten/spieler/503679), who is yet to make a Premier League appearance.

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

David Moyes’ side should go into the match filled with confidence on the back of their [own results](https://www.skysports.com/west-ham-united-results), confidence which can only be boosted by the unfortunate injury situation at Anfield.

Should Antonio be passed fit for the clash, [his form](https://www.premierleague.com/players/9595/Michail-Antonio/stats?co=1&se=363) and constant pressure he imposes on defenders will be key to the Irons competing in the match.

In Antonio’s absence, it is likely [£45m man](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sebastien-haller/transfers/spieler/181375) Sebastian Haller will be given the opportunity to impress once again in what has been a [disappointing Premier League career](https://www.premierleague.com/players/49761/S%C3%A9bastien-Haller/overview) to date.

Moyes will know his side face a difficult challenge regardless of injury, Liverpool remains a strong outfit and the Hammers will have to be on top of their game once more to get a positive result.