Liverpool vs West Ham: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Reds are on a 16-game unbeaten run in the Premier League

The Premier League football returns after mid-week European competitions. Liverpool and West Ham played in the Europa League. The Reds enjoyed a convincing comeback victory in Austria, against Lask, as did the Hammers, who defeated the Serbian side, Bačka Topola. Both teams won their respective games with a final score of 3-1.

Now, Liverpool is all set to host West Ham at Anfield with the intent of closing in on Manchester City at the top of the table. Jurgen Klopp's side looks well poised to come out as victors, given their current form.

Furthermore, Liverpool has regained their 'Mentality Monsters' aura this season. They have already won four games from losing positions out of the six they have played so far this season, in all competitions.

On the other hand, David Moyes will be a satisfied manager right now. Starting the season on a strong note, West Ham has continued from where they left off last season, becoming European champions for the first time ever.

Despite losing their skipper, Declan Rice, to Arsenal, the Hammers do not appear weak. Instead, they are already in the conversation for finishing in the top five this season. With ten points in five games, West Ham players could not have hoped for a better time to play a game of football at Anfield. Their confidence and chemistry could prove to be a significant challenge for the Liverpudlians to contend with.

Kick-off

Sunday, 24 September 2023 at 2:00 PM GMT (6:30 PM IST)

Location: Anfield Stadium

Form

Liverpool (in the Premier League): W-W-W-W-D

West Ham (in the Premier League): D-W-W-W-L

Players to watch out for

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

It is not advised that one take their eyes off the Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, in a game he is featuring. Currently, there are no wingers who have better stats than him - 4 assists and 2 goals in the PL - and it has only been 5 weeks of Premier League football. Furthermore, Salah has not failed to score or assist in Liverpool's last 12 games in all competitions.

James Ward Prowse (West Ham)

Since joining the Londoners from Southampton, James Ward-Prowse has achieved the highest pass success rate, standing at 89.3%, among all West Ham players. He has transformed into a completely different player under David Moyes. Despite missing the first game, Prowsey has already contributed 3 assists and scored 2 goals in the last 4 games for West Ham in the Premier League. There is no doubt that he will once again be the heart of the midfield at Anfield.

Match facts

• Liverpool won 6 of their last 7 Premier League games at home against West Ham.
• West Ham has won just 1 of their last 14 Premier League games against Liverpool since 2015-16.

Injury and team news

Liverpool

The win against LASK Linz finished on a dull tone as newcomer Ryan Gravenberch had to leave the game early. Coach Klopp hopes it's just cramps or fatigue. Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold is still ruled out owing to a hamstring injury as is Thiago Alcantara, due to hip issues.

Klopp made a lot of changes for the Europa League fixture and he is expected to do the same for Sunday's fixture. Plus, Virgil Van Dijk's return after a 2-match ban is on the cards as well.

West Ham

On the other hand, in the away camp, Edson Alvarez missed the team's Europa League victory due to similar reasons Gravenberch might miss the clash on Sunday. Although, Alvarez is expected to start at Anfield.

Furthermore, both Aaron Cresswell and Jarrod Bowen are a doubt for the Liverpool game. While Cresswell will need tending to his hamstring, Bowen needs assessing with his sickness. Apart from this, the Hammers might really be in for a treat as Kudus looks ever so ready to be in the playing XI.

Predicted lineup

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Alisson; Gomes, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, C. Jones; Salah, Jota, Gakpo

West Ham predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward Prowse; Bowen, Kudus, Benrahma; Antonio

Match prediction for Liverpool vs West Ham

Both sides have out-performed their initial critics. While it would be a good shout to predict a draw, it would just be a disrespect to the Reds' current form and the fact that the match will be played on their home turf. By the looks of it, we would predict a 2-1 victory for Liverpool over West Ham. A close, well-contested, game of football can be expected.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 West Ham

Telecast

India – Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar

UK – Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Amazon Prime Video

US –  NBC, USA Network, Peacock

Nigeria – DSTV, Gotv, Star Times, Kwese TV