West Ham vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

West Ham welcome Premier League leaders Liverpool to the London Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Hammers have entered some promising form recently and are unbeaten in their last four outings. However, West Ham’s midfield options are depleted with Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez both suspended.

Carlos Soler is also a doubt after he was forced off at halftime against Southampton, while Max Kilman will be assessed due to a shoulder injury. Alphonse Areola is expected to start after Lukasz Fabianski was stretchered off on Boxing Day following a heavy blow to the head.

Liverpool have maintained their dominance this campaign and are guaranteed to enter the new year top of the table.

Dominik Szoboszlai is another player who couldn’t keep his discipline before the yellow card cut off as he picked up his fifth booking against Leicester. Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are the only other notable absentees.

West Ham vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news

Form

West Ham: LWDDW

Julen Lopetegui has dealt with scrutiny well in recent weeks with his team unbeaten in four games.

Jarrod Bowen scored the decisive goal at St. Mary’s as the Hammers triumphed on Boxing Day against Southampton. Prior to that, the Londoners drew 1-1 with two more teams from the South Coast; Brighton and Bournemouth.

Their momentum arose from a nervy victory over Wolves earlier this month, a clash that saw both manager’s futures in the balance. Since then, O’Neil has been sacked at Wolves but Lopetegui remains with his side climbing the table.

Liverpool: WDWWW

Liverpool have an opportunity to enter 2025 nine points clear at the top with a win this Sunday.

It was Boxing Day delight as the Reds overturned an early scare to beat Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s side remain unbeaten on their travels in all competitions this campaign, with six wins and two draws in the league. After another goal on Thursday night, Mohamed Salah is comfortably the top scorer in the division with 16 goals in just 17 matches.

Last Meeting: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham, Carabao Cup, 25th September 2024

Liverpool thrashed West Ham earlier on in the season to book their place in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

Despite the scoreline, it was the visitors who struck first with Jarell Quansah inadvertently turning the ball into his own net.

It didn’t take long for the Reds to reply. Diogo Jota was on hand to provide the necessary touch to ensure Federico Chiesa’s acrobatic attempt bypassed Lukasz Fabianski.

The Portuguese netted his second shortly after the interval by slotting past the West Ham goalkeeper. Liverpool earned some much-needed breathing space through Mohamed Salah, who rifled in a rebound to give some security.

West Ham’s chances of a revival greatly diminished when Edson Alvarez was sent off after a late lunge on Salah.

The hosts capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Cody Gakpo recording a quickfire double. The Dutchman’s first was a drilled strike that arrowed into the bottom corner before he cut inside again and unleashed an effort that took a decisive deflection.

The Reds have since progressed into the semi-finals of the competition. They will face Tottenham Hotspur in a two-legged tie to determine who plays for the trophy at Wembley.

Predicted Lineups

West Ham: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Emerson; Alvarez; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus, Summerville; Fullkrug

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo, Diaz.

Who is the referee?

Anthony Taylor will be the match official. He will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn while Steven Martin will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Darren England and he will be assisted by Simon Bennett.

What channel is West Ham vs Liverpool on?

West Ham vs Liverpool will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW TV UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the London Stadium will be at 17:15 GMT on Sunday 29th December 2024.

Odds

West Ham: 6/1

Draw: 19/4

Liverpool: 4/11

Read – The top five managers in the Premier League in 2024

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