London Stadium is the venue for Sunday evening’s Premier League action as West Ham are set to host Liverpool. Both the sides are in fine form and are placed in the top four of the league table. Can the home side continue their winning run against the Reds?
West Ham have been in impressive form this season. They have moved to fourth spot in the league with a brilliant 4-1 win over Aston Villa last weekend. From 10 games in the Premier League, the Hammers have six wins, two draws and two losses and have grabbed 20 points in the process. Their win over Aston Villa was their third successive victory in the Premier League. West Ham are through to the next round of the Carabao Cup defeating Manchester United and Manchester City along the way. They have similarly put brilliant performances in the Europa League group stages, conceding just two goals.
Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek have been marshaling the midfield for the Hammers, while Michail Antonio has been impressive up front. They will be looking to cement their bid for the top-four spot when they welcome Liverpool on Sunday, although it would be a difficult task. Alex Kral is doubtful to appear in this fixture, but other than that, David Moyes should have a fit squad to choose from.
The Hammers had four different players on target, as they dismantled Aston Villa 4-1 away. West Ham had a higher xG than their opponents. They also took more than twice the number of shots as Aston Villa. Jarrod Bowen had the highest xG in the match, while he also took the highest number of shots and made the most dribbles.
West Ham rank highly in terms of goals and goals per 90. They have scored a total of 20 goals, which is the third-highest in the league, while they average 1.85 goals per match, which is the joint-third highest with Manchester City.
Liverpool have also been in an inspiring form in the Premier League and the Champions League. The Reds are currently the only unbeaten team in the league. They are placed in the second spot with six wins and four draws in ten league games. Liverpool are similarly undefeated in the Champions League group stage, winning all four of their group stage fixtures so far. They recently overcame Atletico Madrid 2-0 at Anfield, and are through to the knockout round of the Champions League. Mohamed Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Mane have been in brilliant form for the Reds this season. Roberto Firmino came off with an injury in the game against Atletico and will remain unavailable. Naby Keita, Harvey Elliott, and James Milnes will also remain sidelined for the game against West Ham.
Liverpool were left frustrated when they were held up 2-2 against Brighton last weekend. Brighton came from behind and ensured that they took one point from the match. Both sides were separated marginally in terms of xG. Firmino took the highest number of shots, while Salah made the most dribbles. Konate won the most aerial duels while also making the highest number of passes to the final third.
Liverpool’s offensive threat is indicated by their xG and xG per 90, and are placed at the top in terms of both. Mohamed Salah leads the top scorers’ chart with 10 goals.
Predicted Eleven
West Ham (4-2-3-1) – Fabianski; Johnson, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Fornals, Benrahma; Antonio.
Liverpool (4-3-3) – Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane.
Prediction
Through their recent games, West Ham have displayed their intent of fighting for the top-four spot in the Premier League. However, the game against Liverpool will be an uphill battle for them. The Reds just might have enough to edge this one out.
