Liverpool vs West Ham United Preview
Monday at 3 pm EST Liverpool hope to get back in the win column when they visit West Ham United. West Ham currently sit at 12th place in the table with 31 points. WHU are fourteen points out of European competition, but only nine points out of relegation. Since Arsenal did us no favors against City on Sunday morning, the lead over them is only 2 points, so it is imperative that the Reds collect all three. Fortunately for Liverpool, the weather looks to be in a much more cooperative mood than the last time out against Leicester City. Temperatures in London should be in the mid 40s with partly to mostly sunny skies. Surely a nice change of scenery.
Injury News
For Liverpool, its basically the same names that appeared on the injury list from last week. The most devastating news is that Joe Gomez’s setback looks to be more worrisome than first thought as Klopp has ruled him out at least until after the Bayern Munich clash on Feb 19. Trent looks to be a no-go, although he should return next week. Dejan Lovern appears to be out with a hamstring ailment, although his status will be determined after an assessment. Alex Oxlade-Chamberline is still sidelined, but the feeling is that he’s closer rather than further in his return after that gruesome knee injury suffered last April.
The Hammers on the other hand are down to only fifteen senior players. Sami Nasri looks to miss with a calf injury. Jack Wilshere seems to have stayed on form from his days at Arsenal as he will be out with an ankle injury. Manuel Lazini(Knee) is also ruled out. Talisman Marko Arnautovic is set to undergo an assessment for a foot injury. Also on the list for assessments are GK Lucas Fabianski(arm), Aaron Cresswell(Hamstring), and Lucas Perez(Ankle).
Previous Form
Liverpool’s previous five League matches are as follows: D(1-1LCFC). W(4-3 CP). W(1-0 BHA). L(1-2 Man City). W(5-1 Ars).
West Ham United’s previous five League matches are as follows: L(0-3 Wolves). L(0-2 Bournemouth).W(1-0 Ars). D(2-2 BHA). L(0-2 Burnley).
Lineup and Score Prediction
In goal it will be an Alisson Wonderland. Protecting it will be “The Scottish Engine that Could” Andy Robertson at LB. “Steady” Joel Matip and Big Virg at CB. “Guess who’s Back” James Milner rounds out the back four at RB.
The mid-field will shape up with “Its Nice to be back Home” Jordan Henderson. “The Brazilian Gerrard” Fabinho. And “The Gini of the midfield” Wijnaldum.
Up front is “Do You Want to Build a SnowMane?”, “That snow was the only Thing Whiter than My Teeth” Bobby Firmino, and “Since when is an Elbow to the Jaw not a PK?” Mo Salah.
We win 2-1. MOTM=Fabinho
Y.N.W.A.
-Hooch-