Anfield awaits as Liverpool prepare to bury West Ham once again | OneFootball

Seven matches to go. Seven. And Liverpool keeps doing exactly what’s expected from a team that wants to finish on top: winning. Anfield is getting ready for another round of the Premier League that already smells like definition. The Reds will host West Ham in a clash that, on paper, seems unbalanced. But that’s where the danger lies. The absolute leader stands in front of a team that's still gasping, hanging on for dear life, and might even look innocent-looking — but no one plays cool when the deed is done and anything can still go down.

Fulham FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League | Visionhaus/GettyImages

The leader's got rhythm, numbers, and confidence

With 73 points, 22 wins, seven draws and a mere two losses, Arne Slot's Liverpool have made it 72 goals scored so far, the top attack in the league, and nine points clear of the second team at the beginning of the round. And despite a recent dip in form, having lost three out of their past four games overall, the side enters the round still comfortable, still in command, and with the energy to retain the initiative.

Arne Slot seems to have the team at his beck and call. Alisson returned, having cleared concussion protocol, and his availability provides a look of security when the defensive set-up needs to be solid at a time of crisis. Bradley was back from injury over the weekend, and Van Dijk is set to wear the Reds captain's armband for the 100th time in the Premier League. The situation, with all its ups and downs, still feels much firmer than any other one among the top league leaders.

West Ham struggle to survive where no one survives

In opposition is West Ham, walking out onto the pitch with 35 points, position 16. The Hammers occupy the unenthusiastic middle of the table — not close to relegation, but not close to the pinnacle. Their record is abysmal. The team has lost in four games. Still, they were able to respond against Bournemouth in the recent game and have maintained a more structured defense in recent matches. They've conceded only five goals in their last six matches, and that provides a bit of optimism to anyone who is playing against the league leaders' top attack. But the point is this: Liverpool have already taken ten goals from West Ham within two matches in this season.

West Ham United FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League | Vince Mignott/MB Media/GettyImages

Ten. One in the Carabao Cup, one in the Premier League. The recent one is one of a thrashing. And that counts for a lot. You can't pretend there's no recent history to imply a gap that's hard to fill. The challenge is brutal: being only the second team to defeat Liverpool at Anfield in this Premier League — and the third to defeat them anywhere. A mission closer to a miracle than to strategy.

The title is not decided, but it's done

There is still drama to be delivered by the Premier League. Arsenal are already second, and the battles for other positions in Europe are still close. And Liverpool have their hand on the trophy. The lead over second place, the number of goals, the strength at home, the team's consistency… it all points to a team that is not giving away space cheaply even though they have a huge lead. And against a team that is merely hoping to stand on its feet come the end of the season, Liverpool have more than the responsibility to win.