Paul Higham is expecting Liverpool to extend their Premier League lead to five points, thanks to another solid defensive display at West Ham.
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2pts Liverpool win to nil at 13/10
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West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports Main Event at 2000 GMT)
It’s a big game for Liverpool, but they are all big games for Liverpool now as they enter the business end of their title challenge.
Manchester City's 3-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday moved Pep Guardiola's side within two points, so the ball is now in the Reds' court.
It was a frustrating draw against Leicester during the week that may have extended their lead at the time to five points but did not exactly instil confidence that they could handle the pressure coming down the stretch.
Perhaps an away game may be preferential for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they can focus on the task in hand, as there's no doubt the Anfield crowd got a little nervy against Leicester, bringing the players along with them.
The London Stadium will be a difficult venue for the leaders with Hammers fans desperate for a response after back-to-back defeats, and Liverpool will need to play like a team who have the second-best away record in the league to get back to winning ways.
Liverpool also boast excellent recent form against West Ham with four goals in each of their last four games and, while you shouldn't expect another glut here, Klopp will want his side to make a statement.
Betting guide
Prediction: West Ham 0-2 Liverpool (Sky Bet odds 6/1)
I expect the response to be a good one from Liverpool, they've been a great away side this season and although the Hammers will be no pushovers, a fast start from the away side can see them take control of this game and grab three much needed points.
Best bet: Liverpool win to nil at 5/4
West Ham have some decent attacking options, not least Arnautovic, but Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in half of their Premier League away games and with plenty of possession on the cards they can limit the chances the hosts have to attack.
Goals: Sadio Mane to score anytime at 8/5
The Senegalese forward has scored in his last two, bagged twice in the reverse fixture at Anfield and has been a consistent attacking threat all season. He can continue his scoring run against these favourable opponents.
Sporting Life Price Boost: Sadio Mane to score and Liverpool to win at 3/1 - click here for more
RequestABet: Liverpool to win, under 2.5 goals, Mane to score, 12+ match corners
West Ham United v Liverpool Opta stats
- West Ham have lost their last four Premier League matches against Liverpool, conceding exactly four times in each defeat (0-4, 1-4, 1-4, 0-4).
- Liverpool have won both of their Premier League matches at the London Stadium against West Ham – they haven’t won three consecutive away league games against the Hammers since January 2007.
- Liverpool have scored four times in each of their last four Premier League games against West Ham; in top-flight history, only twice has a team scored four or more goals in five consecutive matches against an opponent – Sunderland vs Manchester United (five between 1893 and 1906) and Arsenal vs Middlesbrough (seven between 1930 and 1933).
- In their 0-3 defeat at Wolves, West Ham failed to register a shot on target in a Premier League match for the first time since December 2017 against Arsenal; it was also the first time a side managed by Manuel Pellegrini had failed to attempt an effort on target in a Premier League game.
- Liverpool have kept six clean sheets away from home in the Premier League this season, one more than they did in the whole of 2017-18. They last kept more on the road in the 2014-15 campaign (8).
- All seven of the Premier League goals conceded by West Ham in 2019 have been scored in the second half of matches.
- West Ham are looking to win three consecutive matches in all competitions at the London Stadium for the first time in what will be their 61st match at the stadium.
- Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been involved in five goals in three Premier League appearances against West Ham (four goals, one assist).
- West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini has lost more Premier League games against Liverpool (5) than he has against any other club, losing all three against Jurgen Klopp.
- Mohamed Salah is currently on 48 Premier League goals for Liverpool. He’d be the fastest player to reach 50 with a certain club if he bags twice here (this would be his 61st game).
Posted at 1940 GMT on 03/02/19.
