In the midweek, Liverpool came from behind to defeat LASK Linz 3-1, while West Ham also bounced back from a one-goal deficit to triumph over Backa Topola in Europe. Liverpool's early-season trend has been to overcome setbacks, as they did last weekend at Molineux. Jurgen Klopp's team erased a slow start with a flurry of second-half goals.
Florian Flecker's impressive shot put LASK Linz ahead in their Group E clash, which marked Liverpool's first Europa League match in over seven years. However, Liverpool turned the tide with Darwin Nunez's penalty, Luis Diaz's first-time finish, and Mohamed Salah's historic goal, securing maximum points.
Salah's 42nd goal for Liverpool in European competitions, which ties him with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry for the most by an English player, also made Jurgen Klopp the first Liverpool manager to achieve 50 continental victories. Liverpool heads into the weekend on a five-game winning streak in all competitions, although they've conceded the first goal in four of those matches.
Nevertheless, Liverpool's response has been impressive, and they currently sit in third place in the Premier League table, just two points behind Manchester City and trailing Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference. They've been unbeaten in the Premier League at Anfield for 14 matches, dating back to Leeds United's 2-1 victory in October of the previous year. They've only failed to score in one of their last 44 top-flight matches at their home ground.
While Liverpool was busy mounting a comeback against LASK, David Moyes's West Ham side also turned things around against Backa Topola. They scored an own goal by Nemanja Petrovic, followed by headers from debutant Mohammed Kudus and Tomas Soucek in London. James Ward-Prowse played a significant role in both set-piece goals, showcasing his skills in another impressive performance.
The only setback for West Ham this season has been a defeat against Manchester City, with the champions responding strongly after Ward-Prowse initially scored.
Currently, West Ham holds a respectable sixth position in the Premier League standings with 10 points, but they have yet to keep a clean sheet this season. They have achieved maximum points in away matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Luton Town, but they haven't won three consecutive away Premier League matches since October 2021. Additionally, they've lost seven of their last eight league encounters with Liverpool.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Liverpool's victory over LASK Linz had a minor setback when Ryan Gravenberch, who was making his full debut, had to be substituted due to apparent fatigue in the second half. Jurgen Klopp hopes it was just cramps, but it's likely that Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring) and Thiago Alcantara (hip) won't be ready to return for Sunday's game.Klopp, who made a complete 11-player lineup change for the Europa League match, is expected to make similar changes for the West Ham match. This decision is influenced by the fact that both Diaz and Nunez, who each contributed a goal and an assist, played the full 90 minutes in Austria.
Speaking of new midfielders who may be fatigued, Edson Alvarez, a key player for West Ham, missed the Backa Topola match due to fatigue but is expected to return to the starting lineup for this game. His return will mean that West Ham's treatment room will be empty. Manager David Moyes faces a pleasant dilemma in attack after Mohammed Kudus's impressive performance in the Europa League. This might lead to the Ghanaian international getting the nod over Tomas Soucek if Moyes decides to play a more attacking lineup.
There will be several changes in the defense, with Alphonse Areola, Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, and Emerson Palmieri set to return. Additionally, Michail Antonio is likely to replace Danny Ings at the forefront of the attack.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Jota
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Ward-Prowse, Alvarez; Bowen, Kudus, Benrahma; Antonio
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 2 Vs 1 West Ham
Both Liverpool and West Ham will have their key players well-rested and ready to play. Although Liverpool might still give up some goals, they are expected to take advantage of West Ham's weak defense and win their sixth consecutive game.
