West Ham isn't in the best shape either. They’ve lost their last two Premier League games, including a tough 5-2 defeat against Crystal Palace, and they’re looking to turn things around at home. Liverpool’s loss to Everton on Wednesday has put pressure on them to keep pace with Arsenal, the current league leaders.
Liverpool, coached by Jurgen Klopp, suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Everton, with goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. This loss has made their road to the title even trickier. Klopp himself admitted the team "wasn't good enough," while team captain Virgil van Dijk called out the players' lack of desire. Klopp also mentioned that Liverpool needs a slip-up from both Manchester City and Arsenal to stay in the title race.
With four games left in the season, Liverpool is second in the table, three points behind Arsenal. However, Manchester City, in third, has two extra games to play, including a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion. This makes Liverpool's path to the title even more uncertain.
In contrast, West Ham is trying to bounce back from a rough patch, with just one win in their last seven league games. Their recent 5-2 loss to Crystal Palace saw them concede three goals in the first 20 minutes and a total of five by the end of the game. West Ham's manager, David Moyes, described the defeat as "embarrassing and disappointing," as they’ve dropped to eighth in the league.
Both teams have something to prove on Saturday. Liverpool has a good record against West Ham, having beaten them twice this season already by a combined score of 8-2.
However, historically, Liverpool has never beaten West Ham three times in the same season, so the pressure is on them to break that pattern. West Ham, on the other hand, is looking to avoid consecutive home losses, having lost to Fulham in their most recent game at the London Stadium.
This match is crucial for both teams, with Liverpool aiming to stay in the title race and West Ham trying to salvage their season. It’s going to be a battle where both sides are eager for a win.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
West Ham is crossing their fingers for Jarrod Bowen's return after he missed last weekend's loss to Crystal Palace due to a back issue. They'll also be checking on Nayef Aguerd and Konstantinos Mavropanos, both nursing ankle injuries, before deciding their starting lineup.Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who made it to the bench after a groin injury, could step in for Lukasz Fabianski on Saturday. Manager David Moyes is likely to make some tweaks in defense and midfield as well.
Defenders Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell are vying for a starting spot, while Kalvin Phillips hopes to break into the midfield. However, it's likely that Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez will retain their positions behind James Ward-Prowse. Up front, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus are expected to support Michail Antonio.
Liverpool is dealing with its own injury concerns. Diogo Jota (hip), Conor Bradley (foot), Thiago Alcantara (muscle), Joel Matip, and Ben Doak (both knee) are out, recovering from their respective injuries.
Cody Gakpo missed the midweek defeat to Everton because his partner is expecting, and it's unclear if he will be available for the West Ham game.
Despite recent struggles, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, who both scored in the last league match against West Ham at Anfield, should start alongside Luis Diaz in Liverpool's attack.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
West Ham United possible starting lineup:Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Antonio
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
EXPERT PREDICTION
West Ham 1-2 Liverpool
If Jarrod Bowen can play, West Ham could give Liverpool some trouble on the attack, but I still think Klopp's team will regroup and secure the win.
