West Ham vs Liverpool Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Prediction

Liverpool will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they take on West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday evening.

The Reds slumped to a shock 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa last weekend to leave Brendan Rodgers men eighth in the table with six points from their opening four fixtures.

The Merseysiders were hardly in top form in midweek either as the needed a stoppage time penalty to beat Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets 2-1 in their Champions League opener, so they will have to step things up this weekend if they want to take anything away from Upton Park.

However, the Hammers have endured a sticky start themselves with Sam Allardyce’s side taking just four points from a possible 12 so far this season.

The Londoners did show a lot of character to come from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw away at Hull on Monday, but Allardyce will be desperate to kick start their campaign and register their first home win of the season after disappointing losses to Spurs and Southampton.

Team News

Liverpool will continue to be without the services of striker Daniel Sturridge as he continues to recover from a thigh injury. In his absence, Mario Balotelli is expected to spearhead the attack once more.

Glen Johnson is unlikely to return as he’s not yet fully recovered from a thigh injury, while Jon Flanagan is out for several months after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

Martin Skrtel could be back in contention after returning to training on Friday but Rodgers may elect not to risk him after two weeks out with a knee problem.

Joe Allen is also missing as he’s yet to shake off a knee injury he picked up while away with Wales earlier this month, so Lucas Leiva could come in to add some steel to the midfield.

West Ham are still without former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll as he continues to nurse an ankle injury. The Geordie is joined on the sidelines by Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan, Joey O’Brien and James Collins.

Carl Jenkinson and Alex Song could make their full debuts after coming off the bench against Hull last time out.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Mario Balotelli: With Sturridge still out all eyes will be on Balotelli to be the focal point in attack. The Italian got off the mark with a well-taken strike in midweek and he’ll be hoping to build on that goal tomorrow.

Predicted Score

West Ham 1-2 Liverpool: The Hammers lack confidence in front of their own fans and despite Liverpool not yet hitting top gear this season, we can see them nicking this one.

What team would you like to see put out and what’s your predicted score for the game?