Liverpool have been named heavy favourites for their Premier League clash with West Ham this weekend.
Every game between here and the end of the season could have huge implications in Liverpool’s race for the top five.
Maybe not as do-or-die as it is for West Ham, who face a relegation scrap that threatens to see them drop to the second tier for the first time in 15 years.
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The Hammers have looked better recently with Nuno Espirito Santo finding his feet at the London Stadium, which is exactly why Liverpool must be wary despite being given a 71% chance of grabbing the win.
Liverpool have the ‘easiest’ fixture but West Ham are desperate
According to Opta, Liverpool’s tie against West Ham is the most winnable in this round of Premier League action.
That should inspire some confidence, but Arne Slot needs to be wary of that turning into complacency in his players.
West Ham have been quite dreadful this season, but they are starting to string together some better performances in recent weeks.
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It’s looking like one of Nottingham Forest, West Ham, or bizarrely, Spurs, will go down. The Hammers are trailing in 18th place and will be treating every game like a cup final.
Liverpool FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
We have seen Liverpool struggle early on in games. That can’t happen at Anfield on Saturday.
Chelsea go into Arsenal as big underdogs, and United’s clash with Crystal Palace will be a tricky one. There should be an opportunity to gain ground on at least one of them.
There’s no excuse for not beating West Ham.
West Ham might not be the game for Rio Ngumoha to start
Liverpool fans want Rio Ngumoha to start, especially after he changed the game against Forest.
He should definitely be given a larger role, but this might not be the opportune moment.
Premier League wingers talk about Aaron Wan-Bissaka like he’s the boogeyman. He is elite in one-on-one scenarios — Ngumoha’s bread and butter.
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Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
I’m not sure that’s the matchup you give him on his first league start. If he is shut down by the West Ham right-back, it vindicates Slot’s hesitance to put him in the lineup.
Interested to see what the left wing looks like on Saturday. I could wager a guess as to what Slot will do…
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