Liverpool vs. West Ham United | Premier League | Pre Match
Liverpool vs. West Ham United
Anfield is set to be a cauldron of euphoria on Sunday afternoon as Liverpool fans, still basking in the glow of Mohamed Salah’s long-awaited contract extension, welcome West Ham United for a Premier League showdown that carries weighty implications for both sides. The league-leading Reds, who have dominated the division under Arne Slot’s stewardship, are eager to rebound from a rare stumble—a shock 3-2 defeat at Fulham last weekend—while Graham Potter’s West Ham, mired in the bottom half of the table, aim to shake off the disappointment of a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. The contrast between the two teams could not be starker: Liverpool are tantalizingly close to clinching the 2024-25 Premier League title, their 11-point lead over second-placed Arsenal a testament to their relentless consistency, while West Ham are focused on securing mathematical survival, a goal that feels increasingly within reach despite their recent winless run. This fixture is more than a battle for three points; it is a clash of ambition and resilience, with Liverpool chasing glory and West Ham fighting to solidify their top-flight status. The added narrative of Salah’s renewed commitment to the Reds only heightens the anticipation, as Anfield prepares to roar its heroes toward another step in their championship march.
The news of Salah’s two-year contract extension, confirmed earlier this week, has sent waves of joy through the Liverpool faithful, putting an end to months of speculation about the Egyptian superstar’s future. The Reds’ social media team captured the mood perfectly with a playful tweet, charting Salah’s journey from “more out than in” to “more in than out” of Anfield. With eight major trophies already to his name in the famous red jersey, Salah is poised to add a ninth—and a second Premier League title—by the season’s end, a prospect that seemed almost inevitable until last weekend’s unexpected setback at Craven Cottage. The 3-2 loss to Fulham marked Liverpool’s first away defeat in the Slot era and only their second in the Premier League this campaign, a bitter pill to swallow after knockout disappointments against Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain. For a team that has set the pace all season, the defeat was a stark reminder of the fine margins that define top-level football. Yet, Liverpool’s position remains enviable, with Arsenal’s failure to capitalize against Everton ensuring that the Reds’ 11-point cushion at the summit remains intact. With just seven games left, two more victories could seal the title, a remarkable achievement for Slot in his debut season. Salah, the linchpin of Liverpool’s attack, will be desperate to rediscover his scoring touch after a four-game drought across all competitions, a rare dip for a player whose consistency has redefined excellence. His pursuit of a new all-time record for goal contributions in a 38-game Premier League season adds an extra layer of intrigue, as Anfield awaits another masterclass from its talismanic king.
Liverpool’s home form provides a solid foundation for optimism as they prepare to face West Ham, with Anfield proving a fortress in the Premier League. The Reds are unbeaten in their last 13 top-flight matches on home soil, a run that includes a five-game winning streak since their humbling by Nottingham Forest earlier in the campaign. This imperious record underscores the unique energy that Anfield generates, where the roar of the Kop can lift players to extraordinary heights. Slot’s tactical acumen has been a perfect fit for Liverpool’s squad, blending high-intensity pressing with clinical attacking play, and their dominance over West Ham this season—scoring 10 goals across two meetings in the EFL Cup and Premier League—suggests that the Irons face a daunting challenge. Remarkably, Liverpool stand on the brink of history, with the chance to become the first English team to score five or more goals against a single opponent in three matches within one season. The memory of those earlier thrashings will weigh heavily on West Ham’s minds, but Liverpool’s recent wobble offers a glimmer of hope for the visitors. Slot’s pre-match press conference was dominated by Salah’s contract saga, but he also delivered welcome news on the injury front, confirming that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is fit to return after a head injury. However, the absence of Tyler Morton (shoulder), Joe Gomez (hamstring), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (ankle) remains a concern, though Conor Bradley’s return from a hamstring issue provides a reliable deputy at right-back. Slot may consider tweaking his lineup, with Bradley potentially replacing Curtis Jones, as Liverpool aim to restore their winning rhythm and edge closer to the gold medal.
West Ham, by contrast, are navigating a season of modest aspirations, with survival their primary objective under Potter’s pragmatic leadership. The Hammers’ 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last weekend was a microcosm of their campaign—moments of promise undermined by defensive lapses. Niclas Füllkrüg and Jarrod Bowen struck to cancel out Evanilson’s opener, raising hopes of a first Premier League win since late February, but the Brazilian’s late strike ensured that West Ham’s winless run stretched to four matches. Despite this, the Hammers’ position in 16th, 15 points clear of the relegation zone, offers a degree of comfort, particularly with Southampton already relegated and Leicester City and Ipswich Town seemingly destined to follow. Potter’s side can realistically begin planning for another Premier League season, a testament to their resilience in a fiercely competitive division. West Ham’s away form, however, presents a curious paradox: they have failed to score in only two of their 15 road games this season, yet their tally of 15 goals is among the lowest in the league. This lack of cutting edge could prove costly against a Liverpool side that thrives on exploiting defensive frailties. Potter has confirmed that his squad is largely unchanged from the Bournemouth draw, though a late fitness check on Füllkrüg, who trained on Friday, will determine his availability. The German striker’s potential absence could see Bowen, who has been involved in six of West Ham’s last seven goals against Liverpool, continue as the focal point of the attack. Injuries to Aaron Cresswell (muscle), Michail Antonio (leg), and Crysencio Summerville (thigh) further limit Potter’s options, but the Hammers will need to summon every ounce of grit to compete at Anfield.
The historical context of this fixture adds another layer of intrigue, with Liverpool’s recent dominance over West Ham tempered by the Hammers’ occasional ability to spring surprises. Bowen’s potency against the Reds makes him a player to watch, but Liverpool’s attacking juggernaut, led by Salah, is unlikely to be subdued for long. The Reds’ earlier victories over West Ham this season were characterized by ruthless efficiency, and a similar performance could see them etch their names into the record books. For Slot, the challenge is to ensure that his team rediscovers its clinical edge after a rare off-day at Fulham, while Potter must devise a game plan to stifle Liverpool’s attacking waves while capitalizing on any lapses. Anfield’s atmosphere will be a factor, with the news of Salah’s commitment galvanizing fans and players alike. For Liverpool, this match is an opportunity to reassert their dominance and take another step toward the title, while West Ham are fighting for pride and the chance to derail a juggernaut. The outcome will hinge on moments of individual brilliance—whether it’s Salah breaking his drought or Bowen defying the odds—but the broader narrative is one of a champion-in-waiting against a team scrapping for survival.
As Sunday approaches, the stage is set for a compelling Premier League encounter that encapsulates the drama and unpredictability of the season. Liverpool, with their sights firmly set on the trophy, know that consistency is key, and Anfield will demand nothing less than a statement performance. West Ham, emboldened by their relative safety, have little to lose and everything to gain by throwing a spanner in the works. Whether it’s the roar of the Kop or the defiance of the Irons that resonates loudest, this clash promises to be a defining moment in the 2024-25 campaign.
