Liverpool vs West Ham : Preview / Team News / Predicted Line-Up

Liverpool will back in Barclays Premier League action on Saturday when they host to West Ham United. The Reds will aim to sign off before the international break by maintaining their unbeaten start to the season in front of the Anfield crowd. The visiting Hammers started the season in positive fashion, but since then the honeymoon period has ended for the boss Slaven Bilic.

Seven points from three outings has represented a positive start to the season for Liverpool where as for West Ham, it all started so well at Emirates Stadium on the opening weekend, but over the last couple of weeks the all too familiar feeling of gloom has descended upon Upton Park. Liverpool so far, what was once viewed as a shaky defensive axis consisting of the centre-backs Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren, along with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, is yet to concede a goal. On the Liverpool's transfer front, Mario Balotelli has returned to AC Milan on a season- long loan deal, but Lucas Leiva has remained at Anfield following his impressive outing at the Emirates Stadium. Reports had suggested that the Brazilian midfielder was bound for Besiktas, but it now appears that he will be staying put. On other hand  Bilic has also been busy in the transfer market as far as incomings are concerned, but it seemed that he was less than impressed by one of his new recruits during the clash with Bournemouth.

Liverpool's Recent form: WWD

West Ham's Recent form: WLL

Team News:

Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson missed the clash against Arsenal because of a foot injury and speculation has suggested that he will not recover in the time to face West Ham. Adam Lallana could also remain on the sidelines alongside him due to a thigh problem, which is expected to hand further starting opportunities to Lucas and Firmino.

As for Bilic, he has a selection problem at right-back Owing to the suspension of Carl Jenkinson. If Ogbonna is to be reinstated it may mean that Tomkins will revert out wide to cover Jenkinson's absence.

Prediction: Liverpool 1-0 West Ham

Expected XI

Liverpool:

Mignolet
Clyne
Lovren
Skrtel
Gomez
Lucas
Milner
Can
Firmino
Coutinho
Benteke

West Ham:

Randolph
Tomkins
Ogbonna
Reid
Cresswell
Noble
Kouyate
Obiang
Payet
Jarvis
Sakho

Share on Google Plus