In a fixture that could have been avoided, Liverpool will face West Ham United in a replay of the 4th round tie in the FA Cup after the first leg finished 0-0 after the 90 minutes. There was nothing to separate the two sides in the last game as Jurgen Klopp decided to field some youngsters along with a mixture of senior team players. Neither team could find a break through as Slaven Bilic was all smiles as his team took the game back home after a nervous performance.
West Ham have completed the double over Liverpool in the Premier League this season and Liverpool are yet to score a goal against the Hammers in the 3 games they have played this season. It will be a key fixture for both sides as it resembles one of the fewest chances of silverware this season.
Here is the Preview of the game along with the Team News, Expected Line-ups, Predictions and Betting Odds.
The West Ham United vs Liverpool game will be played on Tuesday the 9th of February at the Boleyn Ground in London. The kick off is scheduled at 7:45 pm BST (1:15 pm IST).
Team News:
West Ham manager revealed today that Tomkins could be out for a month with a calf injury sustained against Southampton on Saturday. With new buy Sam Byram, cup-tied, Joey O Brien will have to come in to deputize on the flank. Kouyate, Jenkinson, Lanzini and Sakho are all injured and out for this game against Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp revealed that he will still use some youngsters for this game but with a squad of players returning from injury, a strong XI may be named by Klopp. Coutino, Origi and Sturridge are all back in training and make take part in this game against West Ham. Joe Allen and Dejan Lovren are out of contention for this game after picking up niggles in the game against Sunderland.
Expected Line-ups:
West Ham United:
Adrian; Joey O Brien, Ogbonna, Reid, Cresswell; Song, Noble Payet, Antonio, Moses; Valencia
Liverpool:
Ward; Randall, Caulker, Toure, Smith; Stewart, Lucas, Milner; Ibe, Origi, Teixeira.
Key Battles:
Dimitri Payet vs Lucas:
Jurgen Klopp already insisted on closing down Payet in the mid-field as he recognized his importance to this West Ham side. Lucas Leiva will be given the responsibility to close him down and this battle in the middle of the park could decide the outcome of the game.
Jordan Ibe vs Reid:
Though not a natural wing back, Reid is a good defender but will be tested against he likes of Jordan Ibe who is full of pace. Reid is not really slow but have to be aware of the tricks up the youngsters sleeve and if he can keep him quite, West Ham can keep Liverpool quite from one end.
Key Stats:
This is the 12th game for Liverpool since the start of 2016
West Ham have lost just twice at home this season in all competitions.
Liverpool are winless in the last 4 games in all competitions.
West Ham are yet to beat Liverpool in an FA Cup fixture.
Betting Odds:
West Ham: 8/5
Draw: 11/5
Liverpool: 7/4
Predictions:
Liverpool have shown signs of patience and scoring ability in the game against Sundelrand but will have to do really well to get anything from this game. With penalty shootouts a possibility, West Ham as the home side will be favorites especially with the defensive play Liverpool have shown off late. Liverpool supporters are having too much to deal with away from the game and may just not be able to lift their team up in front of West Ham support and the Reds will have to do extremely well to knock the Hammers out of the competition.
Our Prediction:
West Ham United 2-0 Liverpool