Liverpool and West Ham United square off in the Premier League later tonight and the Reds will hope to reopen a five-point gap at the top of the league.
West Ham, on the other hand, will want to bounce back after a few average performances in the league as well as the cup.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have been pretty inconsistent so far this season, and their last win came against Arsenal in mid-January.
Liverpool were held by Leicester City in their last league game and failed to take advantage of Manchester City’s slip up. But with City and Spurs both winning their games over the weekend, the pressure is on Jurgen Klopp’s side.
West Ham United vs Liverpool – Team News
Marko Arnautovic faces a late fitness test for the clash against Liverpool after suffering from a bruised foot against Wolves in the side’s last game.
Aaron Cresswell is a doubt as well, and if he fails to make it, we could see Arthur Masuaku in the left-back position. Samir Nasri has also been ruled out of the game.
Liverpool will have James Milner back in action after the former England international served his one-game ban against Leicester. Milner is expected to play at right-back.
Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren are both fit, and it remains to be seen who Klopp will prefer to start alongside Virgil van Dijk at the back.
West Ham United vs Liverpool – Predicted Lineups
West Ham United Predicted XI: Fabianski, Masuaku, Ogbonna, Diop, Zabaleta, Obiang, Rice, Noble, Anderson, Hernandez, Antonio
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Milner, Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Keita, Mane, Firmino, Salah
West Ham United vs Liverpool – Key Players
All eyes will be on Felipe Anderson who is expected to face Milner. Anderson is quick and can test the Liverpool defence with his darting runs.
Considering Milner struggled to deal with Wilfried Zaha when he last played at right-back, the Hammers need to make most of the makeshift right-back’s presence on the pitch and trouble Liverpool.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will hope Mohamed Salah is in his elements after an average game against Leicester. A lot will depend on where he plays, but considering Masuaku and Ogbonna are a weak link, the Egyptian might be back in business tonight.
West Ham United vs Liverpool – Odds
West Ham United: 15/2
Liverpool: 1/3
Draw: 4/1
