Much is being made of the fact that West Ham United’s next opponents, Liverpool, appear to be carrying a passenger in the shape of Mohamed Salah, who is currently enduring something of a scoring drought.
Now, most Hammers fans know exactly how this usually plays out.
Salah — one of the Premier League’s all-time great goalscorers — is highly likely to end that dry spell against West Ham. It just feels inevitable.
I remember when Chelsea paid £50 million for Fernando Torres, only for him to go on a run where he couldn’t hit a barn door. And, as many of you will recall, he finally broke his duck against West Ham.
Which is why plenty will be fearing history repeating itself at Anfield this weekend.
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Having watched Salah recently, I have to say he looked a shadow of his former self. Against Nottingham Forest, he appeared largely disinterested — even laughing when substituted.
West Ham – perfect opponents for down-on-form Mohammed Salah this weekend
To the casual observer, it felt like he believed he shouldn’t have been hooked by Arne Slot.
But the fact Liverpool’s winner came via Salah’s replacement probably tells you everything you need to know.
Not Prime Salah — But Still Dangerous
The Egyptian’s drop-off this season has been striking, particularly when compared to last year, when he dominated the scoring charts, topped the assists too (29 goals, 18 assists), and finished fourth in Ballon d’Or voting.
Some of the more cynical among us will note that his form dipped almost immediately after signing his new contract.
Perhaps I’m being overly superstitious by assuming he’ll rediscover his scoring touch against West Ham — after all, there was precious little evidence of sharpness against Spurs.
No doubt El Hadji Malick Diouf will have his work cut out down Liverpool’s right.
The Hammers haven’t won at Anfield since 2015 so it will be something of a modern-day miracle if Nuno’s men escape with three points: There’s one small mercy -I’m fairly certain West Ham won’t be facing prime Mohammed Salah.