Nuno Espírito Santo goes into tomorrow’s [Liverpool](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-vs-liverpool-preview-team-news-predicted-line-ups/) home fixture with recent statistics against him: West Ham have beaten Liverpool just once in their last eighteen encounters, triumphing against the Reds 3-2 at London Stadium in November 2021, largely thanks to goalkeeper Allison Becker’s ‘_Mads Hermansen-like’_ off day.
However Liverpool’s recent form gives the Irons a vestige of hope, unlike twelve months ago – Hammers fans will certainly remember last season’s two defeats against the Merseysiders who, on their way to the Premier league title inflicted an aggregate score of 7-1 over the two games against the Irons.
Indeed the last time West Ham United won three consecutive games at home in the Premier League was all of three years ago, back in David Moyes’ successful stint as Manager in October 2022. A win tomorrow could see West Ham climb above Nottingham Forest and level with Fulham in 15th place, depending on results elsewhere: Incredibly that would take the Irons to within just FOUR points of Arne Slot’s reigning champions.
High stakes indeed. Whist common sense suggests the Hammers are unlikely to grab that third win on the spin that neither Lopetegui nor Potter managed – especially against the Premier League champions – several pundits make a Hammers victory a very real possibility.
**Chris Sutton**, of all people, is backing West Ham to win, quoted on the [BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4g4r81l03po) as saying “_Liverpool’s run of defeats cannot go on indefinitely, but what is there to suggest it will end on Sunday against the Hammers_?”
Even **Paul Merson** believes the ‘_first goal scored’_ will determine the winner: “_West Ham score first here and Liverpool could crumble again like last weekend. This is literally a first goal wins game in my opinion”._
Not a game for timidity from Nuno’s West Ham XI. The Hammers have their best chance in years of inflicting damage on the Reds and climbing away from the relegation zone. Full starting elevens revealed here at 12.50 tomorrow – can’t wait!