Match Preview - Liverpool vs West Ham United

Liverpool will be aiming for a victory when they take on West Ham United in the Premiership clash at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Rafa Benitez’s side will be in the fourth place if they get the three points against the Hammers tomorrow, as they have a better goal-difference than their Merseyside rivals, Everton, who are currently occupying that position.

Alan Curbishley’s side, who are placed 10th in the table, had got the better of the Reds in the reverse fixture in January, by a solitary goal.

Liverpool will be without Steve Finnan due to a groin strain, and Alvaro Arbeloa could come into the starting XI.

There could be some more changes to the side that beat Bolton Wanderers at the weekend as Benitez’s side play three key matches in seven days. After this midweek game, which is their tie in hand, the Reds take on Newcastle United at home on Saturday and then Inter Milan away in the Champions League last-16 second-leg next Tuesday.

The Hammers could be without midfielder Julien Faubert as he took a knock in a challenge with Claude Makelele during their 4-0 defeat by Chelsea at Upton Park at the weekend.

Teams (from)
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Riise, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Babel, Kuyt, Torres, Crouch, Skrtel, Lucas, Martin.

West Ham United: Green, Wright, Pantsil, Neill, Spector, Upson, Ferdinand, McCartney, Faubert, Ljungberg, Noble, Mullins, Solano, Boa Morte, Cole, Ashton, Camara, Sears.

Consider West Ham's current good form, Liverpool may win by a small margin or even a draw is on the card.
My prediction - Liverpool to win by 2 - 1.