Prediction: West Ham vs Liverpool

26th February 2011

Coming to the game on the back of the 5:1 win over Burnley, West Ham are feeling confident before the clash with Liverpool, although they will need more than that in order to win this game. The Reds somehow made it through to the Europa League last 16 stage and are now hoping to continue the good league run.

Judging by their performances on the pitch, West Ham don’t look like the team that should get relegated, but the Hammers have made too many costly mistakes and are now in a very precarious position. After losing at home to Birmingham and squandering a three-goal lead against West Brom, Avram Grant’s side sit three points adrift of safety, which makes this a must-win game for them. The Hammers once again proved their quality by hammering Burnley 5:1 in the FA Cup, and another such performance could see them overcome Liverpool as well. The return of Thomas Hitzlsperger from lengthy lay-off is like a new signing for Avram Grant, with the German set to get more playing time after impressing against Burnley. Matthew Upson is set to miss the game with injury, just like Victor Obinna, Robbie Keane, Kieron Dyer, James Collison and Junior Stanislas.

Liverpool have seen a major uptrend in form over the last few months, with the Reds unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions. Besides improving their league position, Kenny Dalglish’s side made it to the Europa League last 16 stage, despite the boss mostly fielding weakened line-ups in Europe. Having climbed to sixth place in the standings with four wins and a draw in their last five league games, the Reds are looking to cement the position with three points from Boleyn Ground, although that is easier said than done considering the poor situation with injuries. Steven Gerrard, Danny Agger, Andy Carroll, Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly are all injury doubts, whereas Fabio Aurelio and Jonjo Shelvey remain sidelined. The Reds managed to end the five-match losing run on the travels by beating Chelsea and Wolves away from home and they are hoping to continue the good run.

Conclusion

West Ham have been showing a lot of potential lately and they don’t seem to deserve their current league position, so I can definitely see them getting something from this game. Liverpool, on the other hand, have a lot of important missings and they could settle for one point from London.

Verdict: Draw (X)

Best Odds: 3.30 (23/10)

Bookmaker: Bet365