Liverpool are down to bare bones at the rear but are still expected to put three points on board when they welcome West Ham on Saturday.
Premier League 2020/21
Date: Saturday October, 31st
Kick-off: 17:30pm
Venue: Anfield
Liverpool will be aiming to win their fourth game on the spin in all competitions when they face West Ham at Anfield for Saturday’s late kick-off.
The hosts enjoyed a 2-0 victory over Midtjylland in the Champions League in midweek, Diogo Jota and Mohammed Salah scoring to clinch the important victory for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The victory came at a cost though, as makeshift centre-back Fabinho was forced off through injury in the first half, adding to the burgeoning injury casualties Klopp is already facing in defence, with Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk already ruled out for the foreseeable future.
West Ham, meanwhile have navigated through what first looked a nightmare run of fixtures really well. They are unbeaten in their last four league games, beating Wolves and Leicester City before drawing with Tottenham and most recently Manchester City.
Michail Antonio’s acrobatic goal in the capital last time nearly did the trick again for the Hammers but they were denied maximum points when Phil Foden struck the equaliser for the Manchester club, though one has to admit their run has been pretty outstanding.
However, they are winless against the Reds since the 2015-16 FA Cup, and Liverpool have won six of the last seven meetings with the capital side in the Premier League.
Team news
Liverpool
Fabinho has joined Virgil van Dijk and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain on the treatment table.
Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita are still rated as doubtful.
West Ham
Antonio is struggling with a hamstring complaint and his availability is covered in the mist.
Match stats
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in eight of Liverpool’s last nine league games.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in five of West Ham’s last six away league games.
Team form
Liverpool last five competitive games: LDWWW
West Ham last five competitive games: WLWDD
Betting tips
While Liverpool have been dogged with a lot of the injury problems, Saturday’s game represents another stern test of character for them, amidst an unforgiving fixture schedule. With United waxing strong at the moment, do not be surprised to see them dropping points though the Reds frontline could be their saving grace.
Pick both sides to get on the goals in light of this, a market which is priced 8/13 for odds.
You can view all other betting markets for this game here
