MATCH PREVIEW: Liverpool vs West Ham United; The Reds host the Irons!!!

Greetings, once again, from New Zealand, where in less than 24 hours, West Ham United will be taking on high flyers Liverpool at Anfield in another Premier League fixture. Fun fact, the last time West Ham played Liverpool, Slaven Bilic was sacked a few days later.

It’s unlikely the same will happen to David Moyes, but there’s two ways this could play out: Liverpool win 4-0, or West Ham United will win 3-2. Take your pick!

Starting XI and Formation:

Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images

David Moyes’ West Ham United have had a few days break. Some players have flown out for a break, others have relaxed at home with the family. Jordan Hugill, on the other hand, was spotted at a recent Preston North End fixture amongst the home fans. What a lad!

And, if Twitter is to be believed, then Hugill will get his first start for the Hammers since arriving from PNE last month.

Our starting formation for this will be the decently sided 3-4-3.

In goal, there’s only one man for the job. Adrian starts with a back three consisting of Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna and newcomer Patrice Evra with Pablo Zabaleta and aaron Cresswell operating and Right and Left Wing-Back’s respectively.

In the middle of the park, it’s the usual two of Mark Noble and Joao Mario whom both have been in really good form for the Hammers.

Up top, Marko Arnautovic starts out on the left with Jordan Hugill in the middle and Chicharito operating on the right, HOWEVER, it’s important to note these three may alter around and change their own positions accordingly.

We’ll no doubt see players such as Josh Cullen, Declan Rice and Joe Hart on the bench, including Manuel Lanzini whom is likely to be benched, following his injury.

Head-to Head Stats:

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

West Ham United are looking to gain another away win at Anfield this weekend as we look to build on our only away win, however with the odds stacked against us, according to the Official Premier League app, thinks could be interesting.

43 games have been played between these two clubs with Liverpool winning 25 games, compared to West Ham United’s 9. Speaking of 9’s, only 9 games have ended in draws, the last coming on Monday 12 December in a thrilling 2-2 draw with goals coming from Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio for West Ham as well as Adam Lallana and Divock Origi for Liverpool.

Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-3 West Ham United.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

“In many ways I would say that he could play in any team in the world because he has the footballing ability and he certainly has the self-belief” said West Ham manager David Moyes on Marko Arnautovic. He also added “Sometimes that’s needed when you’re a forward, to have that self-confidence and a bit of arrogance.”

When it comes to Marko, these words are simply true as the Austrian forward is the attacking presence we’ve needed to have alongside Chicharito. Since opening his goal scoring book against Chelsea, he’s scored 7 goals in 11 games across all competitions. Not bad for a man who had failed to score up until the match against Chelsea.

However, there’ll be a major battle on his hands as he looks to break through the slightly reinforced Liverpool defense this weekend. £75m Virgil Van Dijk is likely to play against West Ham United, but could he help stop Arnautovic, Mario, Lanzini, Chicharito and Hugill from scoring?

At the end of the day, I’m going strong with a West Ham United win of 3 goals to Liverpool’s 2. Yes, it’s an underdog win, but at least there won’t be any pitch invasions at Anfield!