Last
time, both these sides met in the Premier League, a tricky away fixture awaited
for Liverpool as a couple of penalties handed Liverpool a 2-1 win at Upton
Park. arsenal Steven Gerrard came then for the rescue as Liverpool mounted the title
challenge. However since then, times have changed for the Liverpool side as
they were on an 8 match unbeaten streak then but now when they will face the
Hammers, 2 defeats in three games have mounted a serious uphill task to
Liverpool, so, anything less than a win would be catastrophic for the Reds.
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Last time when Liverpool faced West Ham away from home, they were riding on luck and were on an 8 match unbeaten streak.
After
coming close to yet another agonizing result against Ludogorets
at Anfield on Tuesday in which a last minute penalty saved Liverpool’s blushes
and curtained there weaknesses, Brendan Rodgers is expected to take the defense
of his side to the cleaners after some pretty ordinary shows from the two
center backs. And with the likes of Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia good in air for the
Hammers, Liverpool’s defensive line might be tested again severely.
Liverpool defending at corners was severely pointed out by
Rodgers after Agbonlahor handed the Villains a rare win at Anfield on Saturday.
Now
with nearly the same squad again for Liverpool with Daniel Sturridge still
struggling to return to full fitness after injuring himself on National duty,
Liverpool might play another 4-5-1 esque formation with Mario Balotelli and Raheem Sterling
serving as the spear-heads. Adam Lallana who has failed to impress so far will play
in the Midfield with the Serbian Lazar Markovic as Liverpool are adjusting to life
with their new signings on board. Phillipe Coutinho is expected to make it to
the bench as the Brazilian failed to impress against low living Ludogorets at
Anfield.
Phillipe Coutinho is performing below par for Liverpool since
the start of this season.
When
the season started for Liverpool, knives were sharp and put out by the pundits
who predicted Liverpool to suffer. But as a late Sturridge goal rescued
Liverpool on the 1st day of new season, those so called pundits were put on
hold but they didn’t have to wait much longer. After suffering lack-luster
defeats at the Etihad and back when they came on against Villa, that "Liverpool=Tottenham" Brigade is on full swing now as indicated by the
Liverpool manager claims after win in the Champions League opening fixture. So, if Liverpool want to look forward and to stop looking over their shoulder, win
against West Ham is vital for the Reds.
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