With Liverpool seemingly out of the race for fourth place, it’s time for Rafa Benitez’s men to end the season with something to shout about – with this, the first of four remaining fixtures.
But the visit of West Ham to Anfield next Monday night won’t be easy with the Hammers still well and truly in a fight for survival. Gianfranco Zola’s team sit just four points outside the relegation zone.
Liverpool will await news this week of the extent of Fernando Torres’ knee problem, with the Spanish striker forced out of Sunday’s goalless draw against Fulham.
Benitez will also be wary of the fact that the Reds have a Europa League semi-final tie with Atletico Madrid just three days later. Nice to see the Premier League helping clubs in European competition there. Benitez then could well rest key players ahead of the trip to Madrid.
A 75th minute Torres winner helped the Reds to a 3-2 victory in the reverse of this fixture back in September. Torres bagged himself two that day, with Dirk Kuyt netting the other.
Liverpool were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by the Hammers in this fixture last season.
The match kicks off at 8pm and is live on ESPN in the UK and USA.
Head to head stats
