LINEUPS AND BENCH

West Ham United begin their real stretch run to the last third of the season, when they face off against the always formidable Liverpool at Anfield Saturday afternoon.

For David Moyes’ side, the unexpected departure of Jose Fonte has overshadowed an otherwise positive week for the club, as many key players have either stayed healthy or returned from the usual West Ham injury woes since the terrific 2-0 victory over Watford.

Manuel Lanzini returns from his hamstring injury and is starting, while Winston Reid is back on the bench after shaking off that throat infection he had. But Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang, and Edimilson Fernandes’ injuries, coupled with Arthur Masuaku still in his spitting suspension, are the still remaining absentees.

Meanwhile for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp’s side return to action after their 5-0 thrashing of Porto in the Champions League Round of 16 knockout stage. Only Nathanial Clyne and Georginio Wijnaldum are unavailable, with the former just returning to training and the latter getting illness during the week.

The win over Watford a fortnight ago takes massive pressure off this match for the Hammers to get a result. Still, a respectable performance should be given at Anfield for a side hoping to have a good final third of the season and avoid being dragged back into a relegation fight.

We’ll be back at full time for the recap.