Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool host West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday as they aim to keep their Champions League push alive. The Reds’ late win over Nottingham Forest last time out moved them level on points with Chelsea, who were held 1-1 by Burnley.
A poor start to the season has left Arne Slot’s side out of the title race, shifting their focus to securing a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
For Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers, survival remains the priority as they sit just two points above the relegation zone. Their rivals Brighton face Forest after a Europa League play-off second leg against Fenerbahce.
Off the pitch, academy striker Oakley Cannonier has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after falling down the pecking order.
Cannonier famously assisted Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner against Barcelona in 2019 and enjoyed a prolific 41-goal U18 season in 2021/22.
Despite returning to fitness in 2024, he has struggled for opportunities with younger forwards such as Jayden Danns and Will Wright preferred, and has not featured competitively since January 2025.
Cannonier joined Liverpool from Leeds United at U12 level, progressed through the academy and represented England at youth level. He also impressed in the UEFA Youth League, scoring a hat-trick against Ajax before injury curtailed his campaign after goals away at Rangers.
“I will leave at the end of the season and am just looking for regular games,” Cannonier told The Athletic. “With my age, that is all I want to be doing. The last 18 months have been really difficult with no games to look forward to. You train all week and then there is nothing at the end of it. It’s been pretty crap.
“People haven’t seen me play for two years. That’s the thing that has held me back,” Cannonier added. “If I had been playing regular games in PL2 I would be scoring goals, but it hasn’t worked out like that.
“I have been fit for two years and the manager has picked other players. They bought a really good striker, Will Wright, from Salford, so he has been playing.”
“I just need games. If I get match fit I know I will be absolutely fine as finishing comes naturally to me. I don’t mind where, I just want to be playing and scoring goals, showing everyone how good I am.”
Read more: From Italy: Inter Milan plotting double summer raid at Liverpool
Liverpool officially confirms date & time of Galatasaray tie
Sky Sports reveal new Anthony Gordon contract details
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.