Liverpool vs West Ham Preview
- Liverpool to win
- Gakpo to score
Liverpool’s hopes of a historic season have taken a considerable dent in recent weeks following three defeats in their last four outings across all competitions (W1). A 3-2 loss to Fulham in their most recent Premier League fixture compounded earlier disappointments in the UEFA Champions League and Carabao Cup final, which saw two trophy hopes dashed for Liverpool in the space of a fortnight.
Despite that downturn in form, Arne Slot’s side remain firmly in control of the Premier League title race. They started the round 11 points clear of Arsenal with just seven matches remaining, and with four of those still to be played at Anfield, there’s little sign of panic on Merseyside. Liverpool’s formidable home record in the league this season (W12, D2, L1) further underlines their status as favourites, particularly against a West Ham side they have dominated historically.
The Reds have lost just once in their last 57 home meetings with West Ham (W42, D14), and they boast a perfect nine-match winning streak in this fixture at Anfield. Those stats alone will provide a significant psychological edge for the hosts, who will view this clash as the ideal opportunity to bounce back and restore confidence before the final stretch.
As for West Ham, recent results have done little to inspire optimism. The Hammers are without a win in their last four league games (D2, L2), and their position in 16th place has them on course for their joint-lowest Premier League finish since their return to the top flight in 2012. Though they are safe from relegation, a poor end to the campaign could spell an uncertain summer for manager Graham Potter, whose side have twice squandered leads during that run.
The outlook is equally bleak away from home. West Ham have secured just four victories from their last 21 away matches in all competitions (D5, L12), though they have only failed to score in two of their 17 league away games this season. That attacking intent could see them trouble Liverpool’s defence, especially considering they have scored on each of their last two visits to Anfield, even if both ended in heavy 5-1 defeats.
Key players to watch
Cody Gakpo has been a standout at Anfield recently, with ten of his last 12 Liverpool goals coming at home.
The Dutch forward has already scored three times against West Ham this season and could once again be decisive in the final third.
For the visitors, Jarrod Bowen remains the primary danger man. He has been directly involved in six of West Ham’s last nine goals against Liverpool (three goals, three assists), and his pace on the break could prove troublesome for Slot’s high defensive line.
Match facts and trends
- Liverpool have dropped points in just three home league games all season.
- The Reds have won their last nine home matches against West Ham.
- West Ham have gone four league games without a win.
- The Hammers have scored in 15 of their 17 Premier League away matches this term.
Tactical overview
Liverpool will likely take control of possession and push high up the pitch, with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to invert into midfield to support the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The return of Mohamed Salah and the form of Gakpo should ensure plenty of goal-scoring opportunities.
West Ham will aim to sit deep, frustrate Liverpool, and look to counter-attack with Bowen and Lucas Paquetá providing the creative spark. Set pieces may also be a key area for them to exploit, given their physical presence and Liverpool’s occasional vulnerability from dead-ball situations.
Prediction
West Ham’s away struggles and Liverpool’s outstanding home form point towards a home win, although the Hammers’ ability to score on the road may see them get on the scoresheet. Expect Liverpool to respond to recent setbacks with a statement performance.
Predicted score: Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
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Liverpool v West Ham, 2024/25 | Premier League