To start another super weekend of the Premier League, West Ham visit Liverpool who are aiming to catch up with Man City. In the reverse fixture back in November, West Ham came out on top in a five goal thriller. But now, West Ham have to face a Liverpool team who has just won the Carabao Cup and are fairly fresh. David Moyes will have a lot to do as Luis Diaz, Mané, and Salah have really tested and torn apart defenses in the last few weeks. Just think of the game where Liverpool beat Leeds United 6-0. As Jurgen Klopp aims to close the gap on the champions, West Ham are fighting for European Football for next year.
West Ham are coming off a confidence building game in the EPL against a very strong Wolves defense and will think they can beat the Reds in Anfield. In that game, I thought Antonio played well and even though he didn’t score, his presence was felt. Also, West Ham pressed really well and didn’t let Wolves play out from the back. A lot of their chances came after turnovers and they didn’t give the Wolves too many chances. The Hammers were super dominant in the 1st half and even though they didn’t score in the first 45 minutes, they put a lot of pressure on Bruno Lage’s team. In this game, I feel like they need to have possession of the ball plenty and have to avoid getting pushed back by the Reds. Liverpool are dangerous on the counter attack so West Ham have to be precise when the ball is at their feet. It’s going to be a tough task at Anfield, but West Ham have shown resilience this season and won’t go down without a fight.
Liverpool are coming off a trophy in the Carabao Cup and a qualification in the FA Cup final eight. I feel like Luis Diaz was a perfect signing for a Liverpool team that are looking to go all in for a chance for some more silverware. Diaz has confidence and when he has the ball, he takes chances with it. He has made their front three so much stronger and has given more depth to their team. Liverpool has the best goal differential in the league and that’s because they can score goals. Mane, Jota, and Salah have combined for 42 goals which is pretty remarkable. Mo Salah has 28 goal involvements this season and has led pretty much every category of a forward. What makes the Reds win is that they don’t dwell on the ball. The passing is precise and the finishing is clinical. They are fast through the middle of the pitch and always seek the right play. In this game, they just have to play freely and really stretch the West Ham defense. Their speed and technique is really going to bring holes in this West Ham team which the Reds can expose. Will their top three have a masterclass of a game again?
I think Liverpool will win this game 2-0. West Ham just lost to Southampton in the FA Cup during the midweek and I don’t think they feel confident in themselves enough. Liverpool’s chemistry is off the charts and the way they make goals is truly exceptional. Not only do they have top 3 goal scorers in the PL, they have the top 3 assist men. I feel like this will be a walk in the park for a Liverpool team which has taken 15 out of 15 points in their last five league games. This game will be televised on NBC and Peacock.
On Saturday afternoon, Jarrod Bowen and West Ham visit Anfield to play the Reds. Can West Ham grab some huge points in the top 4 race and upset Klopp’s men or will Liverpool continue their dominant run and beat the Hammers? We will find out from Merseyside, England in Matchweek 28 of the 2021-22 Premier League Season.
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