West Ham vs Liverpool Preview
- Liverpool to win
- Over 2.5 goals
West Ham welcome league leaders Liverpool to the London Stadium for their final Premier League fixture of 2024.
With both sides coming off Boxing Day victories, this promises to be an engaging encounter as the Hammers seek to break a poor H2H record and Liverpool aim to extend their dominance at the top of the table.
West Ham: Building Momentum Under Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham have shown steady improvement, with their 1-0 Boxing Day win over Southampton extending their unbeaten run to four matches (W2, D2).
A clean sheet, despite losing goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański to injury, highlighted their defensive resilience, and they’ll hope to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since March.
The Hammers’ form at the London Stadium is encouraging, losing just once in their last six home matches (W3, D2).
Although their record against Liverpool is dismal, with just one win in 18 H2Hs (D3, L14), they’ll draw confidence from holding the Reds to a draw in this fixture last season.
Key Player: Jarrod Bowen
Bowen has a knack for delivering against Liverpool, directly contributing to four goals in three games against them last season (G3, A1). His creativity and finishing will be crucial in unlocking the Reds’ defence.
Liverpool: Unstoppable at the Top
Liverpool’s 3-1 comeback win over Leicester on Boxing Day extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 22 matches across all competitions (W19, D3).
With 13 of those results in the Premier League (W10, D3), Arne Slot’s men have built a commanding lead at the top of the table as they chase a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
The Reds have a strong track record in year-ending fixtures, winning eight of their last ten (D1, L1).
However, defensive vulnerabilities on the road have surfaced, with Liverpool conceding 2+ goals in their last four away league games (W2, D2). They’ll need to tighten up at the back to maintain their unbeaten away record this term (W11, D2).
Key Player: Alisson Becker
Liverpool’s reliable goalkeeper will be key to addressing their defensive issues, particularly as he has conceded more than once in just three of his 12 games against West Ham.
Tactical Battle
- West Ham’s Approach:
Lopetegui will likely set up his side to absorb pressure and counter-attack through Bowen and Michail Antonio. West Ham’s improved defensive organisation under Lopetegui will be tested against Liverpool’s relentless attack. - Liverpool’s Approach:
Arne Slot’s side will dominate possession and aim to exploit West Ham’s defence with the creativity of Dominik Szoboszlai and the finishing of Mohamed Salah. Liverpool’s ability to sustain pressure and recover defensively will be critical.
What’s at Stake?
- West Ham: A win would solidify their mid-table position and further distance themselves from the relegation zone.
- Liverpool: Victory would extend their lead at the top of the table and maintain momentum heading into 2025.
Head-to-Head Insights
- West Ham have won just one of their last 18 Premier League matches against Liverpool (D3, L14).
- Liverpool are unbeaten in 22 matches across all competitions (W19, D3).
- West Ham are unbeaten in their last six home matches (W3, D2).
- Liverpool have conceded 2+ goals in their last four away league games (W2, D2).
Prediction
West Ham’s defensive improvement under Lopetegui makes them a tougher prospect, but Liverpool’s firepower and unbeaten away record should see them edge this encounter. While the Hammers could find the net, the Reds’ overall quality is likely to prevail.
Prediction: West Ham 1-3 Liverpool
This matchup promises intrigue as West Ham aim to continue their resurgence and Liverpool look to maintain their dominance.
Can Lopetegui’s men spring a surprise, or will the Reds march on in their quest for the title? Fans at the London Stadium are in for a thrilling encounter.
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West Ham v Liverpool, 2024/25 | Premier League