West Ham United travel to face Liverpool in a game that could see the Hammers out of the relegation zone should they head south with three points. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team continued their impressive form with a 0-0 draw against AFC Bournemouth, but know wins are the only way to guide West Ham to safety.
Nottingham Forest are the team the Iron’s are chasing, they sit just two points above West Ham. Tomorrow’s opponents, Liverpool, did the Hammers a favour by beating Forest last weekend, something Nuno’s team hope to do in 24 hours. Forest play Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Whilst West Ham could not find the net against Bournemouth, the team did have 20 shots on goal in the game. At the back, the partnership of Axel Disasi and Konstantinos Mavropanos continued to impress, with Mateus Fernandes beginning to justify his price tag in midfield.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have not been at their best this season, but are still in touching distance of the Champions League goal this year. Their 1-0 win last weekend has seen them go level on points with 5th placed Chelsea, and just two points behind 4th placed Manchester United.
The Reds want points just as much as West Ham, with both sides heading into this game with solid form.
Key Statistics
- West Ham have collected 11 points from their last six Premier League games, matching Liverpool’s form.
- Liverpool ranks 4th in the xG table, but only 6th in the actual Premier League table.
- West Ham have accumulated three clean sheets in their last four games in all competitions.
- Liverpool have scored a total of 10 goals in their last five fixtures in all competitions.
- West Ham’s 11 points from their last six, is as many points as they managed in their last 18 games previously.
- Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is without a Premier League goal in his last nine appearances for the Reds.
Prediction
Here, a handful of our writer’s give their prediction for the game…
Matt Bottomley
“West Ham are in the best form of their season. The addition of Paco Jemez to control the defence has been a master stroke, the coach ahs really helped Mads Hermansen, Disasi and Mavropanos form a strong unit. That being said, Nuno and co will need all hands on deck to get a result at Anfield.
“Liverpool are susceptible at the back and the likes of Crysencio Summerville need to use their pace to take advantage of key areas. The Reds will no doubt command possession so it is about taking opportunities for West Ham.
“I genuinely believe West Ham have a chance of a result in this game. It will be a tight one, with the first goal likely picking the winner.”
Prediction: Liverpool 1-0 West Ham United
