West Ham are safe and Spurs have bottled the league. It’s safe to say we’re all content after last Friday’s victory over our fierce London rivals. Now the Hammers must look forward to this Sunday’s last home game of the season against Liverpool, who must win to maintain their top four spot, with Arsenal still in chase.
The Opponents:
Liverpool have had a fantastic season under Klopp, they currently sit in third, occupying a Champions League spot. However, they’ve stuttered a little of late, with a draw to Southampton and loss to Crystal Palace. They’ll be hoping that a now safe West Ham will not mount a serious challenge on Sunday. A win would see Champions League football return to Anfield next season.
Form:
West Ham are now unbeaten in five. A remarkable turnaround, considering their form through March. They have also kept four clean sheets in five. This is a result of a formation change from Bilic, creating a back 5. Fonte, Collins, and Reid have proved to be impregnable at times. A series of last minute blocks and tackles managed to frustrate a free-scoring Tottenham last week. Hopefully, they can repeat the trick this weekend.
Liverpool have been stuttering but as a whole, it has been a remarkable season for Klopp. They have a solid team but are missing a few key players and are hoping to get over the line for next season. That in mind they still have Coutinho, Firmino, and Can, all of which are extremely dangerous.
The Teams:
Following the win against Spurs confirming the Hammers Premier League status, a number of long-term injuries have emerged within the team. Noble has apparently been hiding a hernia and Kouyate a wrist injury, both requiring surgery. I would like to see a few youth players step in this weekend and show what they can do before next season’s campaign. I expect that same back five as against Spurs. In the midfield, we may see the return of Nordveit and ‘Signing of the Season’ Fernandes. Lanzini will continue his fine form in midfield with Ayew playing alongside Calleri, who impressed against Tottenham.
Liverpool should remain unchanged with Mignolet between the sticks. Clyne will offer an attacking threat from right-back. Map and Lovren have been reasonably solid at the back and captain Milner has had a good season in his makeshift left-back role. Can has been superb this season, although his overhead kick didn’t quite match Carroll’s. The Liverpool attack has a lot to offer and will cause the Hammers problems this weekend. Wijnaldum, Firmino, and Coutinho will back up Origi in attack. He will be looking to use his pace against an aging back four.
West Ham:
GK) Adrian
RB) Byram
CB) Collins
CB) Fonte
CB) Reid (C)
LB) Creswell
CM) Fernandes
CM) Nordveit
RM) Ayew
LM) Lanzini
ST) Calleri
Liverpool:
GK) Mignolet (C)
LB) Milner
CB) Lovren
CB) Matip
RB) Clyne
CM) Wijnaldum
CM) Can
CM) Leiva
LW) Coutinho
RW) Firmino
ST) Origi
Odds:
West Ham 4/1 Draw 3/1 Liverpool 8/13
– Via Sky Bet
My Prediction:
I’ll look forward to a party atmosphere this Sunday, regardless of the result. It’s been a long old season but we’ve made it out the other end unscathed. One of two West Ham teams will turn up this weekend… Either holiday mode West Ham or carefree West Ham, hopefully, the later. Regardless of what West Ham side turn up, Liverpool will be looking to confirm their spot in next season’s Champions League and will aim to put the game to bed early. I’m being optimistic and hoping a carefree West Ham team will turn up. A few young players will be looking to make an impression and the back five have yet to show any signs of a major crumble.
West Ham United 1 – 0 Liverpool