West Ham United Look to Rebound Against Struggling Liverpool
West Ham United host Liverpool in the Premier League’s early kick-off this weekend, with both sides seeking a morale boost after disappointing European exits and recent struggles in the league.
Hammers Frustrated After European Exit
The Hammers were eliminated from the UEFA Europa League in the quarter-finals earlier this month. To make matters worse, they followed that up with a demoralising 5-2 defeat against Crystal Palace, a result that significantly impacted their chances of finishing in the top seven.
West Ham United Strong at Home Despite Recent Slump
A return to the London Stadium might offer West Ham some respite. They’ve been known to be difficult to beat on home turf, with just two defeats in their last 18 games at home (W8, D8). However, the daunting task of facing Liverpool will truly test their resilience.
West Ham’s Dismal Record Against Liverpool
West Ham United’s record against Liverpool is concerning. They have lost 13 of the last 15 meetings between the two sides (W1, D1).
Can Liverpool Exploit Past Dominance?
Liverpool have a chance to make history against the Hammers. They have already beaten the Hammers twice this season, winning 3-1 and 5-1 at Anfield in the league and Carabao Cup respectively. A victory this weekend would mark the first time they’ve beaten West Ham three times in a single season.
Liverpool’s Title Hopes Fade After Merseyside Derby Defeat
Despite their dominance against the London Club historically, Liverpool’s recent performances have been far from their usual standards. Their title hopes took a significant blow after a 2-0 defeat in the Merseyside derby against Everton.
Can Liverpool Find Form in London?
Liverpool’s recent struggles, coupled with a demanding travel schedule (their fourth away game in a row), raise questions about their ability to secure a win. However, manager Jurgen Klopp will be desperate to motivate his players to produce a performance similar to their recent 3-1 victory over Fulham on their last trip to London.
Players to Watch
- West Ham United: Having scored 11 of his 13 goals for West Ham at home this season, Mohammed Kudus will be looking to end his six-game scoring drought.
- Liverpool: With Liverpool’s big names misfiring recently, the likes of Curtis Jones could be the difference. He netted a brace the last time these teams met.
Hot Stat
Despite managing four different clubs, David Moyes has only won six of his 41 managerial encounters against Liverpool (D9, L26).