Liverpool make the trip to east London on Saturday evening (5.30pm GMT), as Jurgen Klopp‘s side take on West Ham in the Premier League.
West Ham vs. Liverpool
Saturday, November 4, 2017 — 5.30pm (GMT)
London Stadium
Premier League
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
It hasn’t been the hardest of weeks for Liverpool, but they have recorded back-to-back 3-0 wins over Huddersfield Town and Maribor.
The Reds have got a bit of momentum going, and that cannot afford to go away again, as has been the case so often this season.
With the final international break of the year approaching, Saturday’s trip to West Ham would be a terrible time to drop points.
It will not be an easy game, but it has to be considered a must-win one, considering how competitive things are at the top of the table.
The West Ham supporters will look to create an impressive atmosphere under the lights, and if Liverpool aren’t switched on, they could easily come unstuck.
The Reds should have too much for their out-of-form opponents, as long as they finish well and don’t defend like a pub team away from home again.
Last Meeting: West Ham 0-4 Liverpool
Team News
The trio of Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne are all out for Liverpool, with the latter suffering a setback in his recovery from a back injury.
Sadio Mane could make a second-half cameo after looking sharp in training, however, which is a massive boost for Klopp.
Gini Wijnaldum picked up an ankle knock against Maribor in midweek, and it is touch and go as to whether he will feature or not. Dejan Lovren is more likely to return.
The Reds’ injury problems should see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain earn another start, and Daniel Sturridge will hope to lead the line, as he looks to score in a third consecutive match.
Joe Gomez is likely to come in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite the teenager’s impressive showing against Maribor, and captain Jordan Henderson should start.
West Ham have injury problems of their own, with James Collins, Jose Fonte, Sam Byram and Michael Antonio all missing. Pablo Zabaleta is suspended.
London Stadium
Capacity: 57,000
Away fans’ pubs: There are no designated away pubs in Stratford and fans with away colours are often turned away, so it is best to drink away from that area. It is a short hop on the Jubilee line to places like Canary Wharf. The ground opens 90 minutes before kickoff and you can drink in the ground.
One piece of advice for visiting fan: Don’t get lost! It is a big area, a big open park and signage is not great—many away fans have got lost and missed kickoff. Check a map of the area before you get there.
Last 5 at West Ham (All Competitions)
West Ham 0-4 Liverpool – May 14, 2017 (Sturridge, Coutinho x2, Origi)
West Ham 2-1 Liverpool – February 9, 2016 (Antonio, Ogbonna; Coutinho)
West Ham 2-0 Liverpool – Janaury 2, 2016 (Antonio, Carroll)
West Ham 3-1 Liverpool – September 20, 2014 (Reid, Sakho, Amalfitano; Sterling)
West Ham 1-2 Liverpool – April 6, 2014 (Demel; Gerrard pen x2)
Form
Liverpool – Last five results (all competitions)
Won 3-0 vs. Maribor
Won 3-0 vs. Huddersfield
Lost 4-1 vs. Tottenham
Won 7-0 vs. Maribor
Drew 0-0 vs. Man United
West Ham – Last five results (all competitions)
Drew 2-2 vs. Crystal Palace
Won 3-2 vs. Tottenham
Lost 3-0 vs. Brighton
Drew 1-1 vs. Burnley
Won 1-0 vs. Swansea
Did You Know?
Liverpool’s only victory over West Ham in their last six meetings was last season’s crucial 4-0 win at London Stadium.
It was the their last away game of the campaign, and it meant victory over Middlesbrough on the final day would secure Champions League football.
The Reds duly obliged at Anfield the following weekend.
Klopp’s View
In his press conference on Friday, Klopp discussed West Ham‘s poor start to the season, insisting all is not as bad as it seems for Slaven Bilic.
“I’m not sure if they’re really struggling. They had good results, [and were] really good against Tottenham,” he said.
“We respect them a lot, so we know who we’ll face. The analysis was about the last three or four games, so they were really good.”
TV & Live Blog Info
The match is live on BT Sport 1, with coverage getting underway at 5pm (GMT). Kickoff is at 5.30pm.
Our matchday live blog will be in full swing from 4.45pm, with plenty of content before the game and minute-by-minute updates during it. Henry Jackson is in charge this week.
Fan Comments