Liverpool may be weathering a rough patch, but their Premier League ambitions remain firmly intact ahead of this weekend’s clash with West Ham United. After a 3-2 loss to Fulham marked their third defeat in four matches across all competitions (W1), questions may be swirling, yet an 11-point cushion over Arsenal—prior to the round—keeps the Reds on course for domestic glory with only seven games left.
Unlike the recent Champions League and Carabao Cup setbacks that ended trophy hopes, any slip-ups in the league are seen as mere delays rather than derailments. And with four of those seven remaining games at Anfield, confidence remains sky-high. Jürgen Klopp’s men have dropped points in just three league games at home this season (W12, D2, L1), a record they’ll be looking to enhance against a familiar and favorable opponent.
History is certainly on Liverpool’s side. The Merseysiders have lost just one of their last 57 home league meetings with West Ham (W42, D14), and are on a nine-game Anfield winning streak in this fixture. It’s a daunting task for any visitor—let alone a team in the midst of a form slump.
West Ham come into the clash winless in their last four league matches (D2, L2), with Graham Potter’s tenure continuing to see points slip away from winning positions. Those dropped points have left the Hammers hovering in 16th and on course for their joint-worst Premier League finish since returning in 2012. Relegation isn’t a concern, but pride and positioning certainly are.
Travel hasn’t treated West Ham well either. They’ve managed just four wins from their last 21 away games in all competitions (D5, L12). That said, they do carry a goal threat, scoring in 15 of their 17 away fixtures this season. They also found the net in their last two trips to Anfield—though each ended in a 5-1 defeat.
Players to Watch:
Cody Gakpo thrives on home soil—10 of his last 12 Liverpool goals have come at Anfield. He’ll be eyeing West Ham again, a team he’s already scored against three times this season. For the visitors, Jarrod Bowen remains the key figure, having been involved in six of West Ham’s last nine goals against Liverpool (3 goals, 3 assists). If the Hammers are to spring a surprise, he’ll likely be at the heart of it.
Stat to Note:
There have been over 3.5 goals scored in each of the last five head-to-head encounters. Expect fireworks.
