Liverpool FC vs West Ham United FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Liverpool FC vs West Ham United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Liverpool’s injury concerns at the back took another turn for the worse in midweek when they lost Fabinho to a hamstring problem in Europe.

The Brazilian has generally been excellent since joining the Anfield club and has slotted in at the back seamlessly when required. It was hoped that he would fill the shoes of Van Dijk, who is likely out for the rest of the season. 

Fabinho’s injury means that Jurgen Klopp must shuffle his players again, and this could present an opportunity for West Ham. The Reds do remain in good form however, sitting joint-top of the league.

The Hammers also face an injury blow of their own, with key striker Michail Antonio likely to be out for up to six weeks. His goals have been crucial, and they must now find another way to hurt Liverpool this weekend.

The form of both teams has been good of late, and this should be a entertaining game.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Liverpool FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): LDWWW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Attackers are in fine form, particularly with the addition of Diogo Jota

     Won six of their last seven meetings against West Ham

Reasons to be fearful:

     Losing Van Dijk and possibly Fabinho will leave a gap at the back

     Keeping clean sheets has been a problem in the league

With many of the so-called ‘Big Six’ struggling from inconsistency so far this season, Liverpool will be relatively pleased with their start, considering they sit joint-top of the league along with local rivals Everton.

They are after their fourth win on the bounce and have looked comfortable in their Champions League fixtures so far too. 

With Van Dijk out for the foreseeable future and Fabinho a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury in midweek, Klopp could turn to youngster Rhys Williams for a first start in the league.

West Ham have been in good goalscoring form, but will now be without Michail Antonio for this match. They have other quality players, of course, however this will ease the pressure that Williams may face this weekend.

Liverpool remain their brilliant best going forward, of course. Salah and Mane are still scoring with consistency, Roberto Firmino recently scored his first goal of the season, and newcomer Jota has popped up with three already.

Star Man – Mo Salah

Has seven goals already this season – his ruthlessness in front of goal is keeping Liverpool at the top

West Ham United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WLWDD

Reasons to be cheerful

     Unbeaten in their last four league matches

     Have shown they can upset the bigger teams

Reasons to be fearful 

     Losing Antonio is a big blow

     Poor record against Liverpool

West Ham manager David Moyes has looked a happy man of late, which is expected considering how well his team has played for most of the season to date.

After losing their first two games of the season, many predicted West Ham would be in for another tough season near the bottom, and Moyes himself one of the early favourites for the sack.

Their fortunes have changed since then with 8 points from the next 12 available, including thrashing the likes of Wolves and Leicester.

One player who has been a big part of that has been Michail Antonio, whose three goals have helped The Hammers pick up vital points. He will miss up to six weeks through injury and will come as a big blow.

They have other quality players up front – Haller has five goals and looks in decent form, as does Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals, who scored in this fixture last season. 

Star Man – Pablo Fornals

David Moyes spoke in his press conference this week how important Fornals is to the team. He scored against Liverpool last year.