So the difference between [West Ham’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/report-former-premier-league-striker-again-under-hammers-microscope/) seventeenth place and Liverpool’s twelfth is seven points. Perhaps the _‘relegation derby’_ heading is a little tongue in cheek but it shows how far last season’s Premier League champions have slipped that they are now looking nervously over their shoulder after spending something over £400 million in the summer window.
Arne Slot appears to be a man keen to take big gambles – after being humbled 4-1 by PSG midweek his Liverpool side _have been given the day off training today, Friday_, as reported by [_rousingthekop.com_](https://www.rousingthekop.com/2025/11/28/arne-slot-risks-angering-liverpool-fans-even-more-as-infuriating-pre-west-ham-plans-are-revealed-opinion/), in a move which could be genius or could backfire spectacularly as his beleaguered aside will be travelling tomorrow Saturday:
_“Arne Slot risks angering Liverpool fans even more as infuriating pre-West Ham plans are revealed”._
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Is how the Liverpool fan site puts it.
The speed of the Reds’ descent from invincible champions to mere ‘opponents’ has been breathtaking. Much of course is due to the wholly understandable hangover from the dreadful Diogo Jota accident, but there is no doubt Arne Slot is looking over his shoulder now, after such a profligate summer and such spectacular transfer misfires.
With West Ham on something of a fragile upward path, it could be an intriguing encounter on Sunday. Don’t expect Nuno’s men to take the day off as preparations will be focussed on shoring up the defensive frailties that allowed Bournemouth to come back from a two-goal deficit.
Eagle eyed observers will be poring over yesterday’s ‘inside Rush Green’ video and Nuno’s pre-match press conference for news of Crysencio Summerville’s possible return, which would offer West Ham a boost in their attacking play to enable the Hammers’ head coach to try and go toe to toe with Liverpool for the first time in years.
Recent memories of 0 – 5 drubbings are still too fresh in the memory to be forgotten – but perhaps, just perhaps, there is room for more cautious excitement this time around.