Liverpool and West Ham United, two Premier League teams with impressive starts in the Europa League, will face off in a thrilling encounter at Anfield this Sunday.
Both teams have shown resilience by coming from behind to secure victories in their opening matches.
Match Preview
In their recent victory against LASK Linz, Liverpool once again displayed their ability to overturn a slow start.
Florian Flecker’s early goal was cancelled out by Darwin Nunez’s penalty, Luis Diaz’s first-time finish, and Mohamed Salah’s historic goal.
Salah’s goal marked his 42nd goal in Europe for Liverpool, equalling Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s record.
Manager Jurgen Klopp also achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first Reds manager to achieve 50 continental wins.
Despite occasionally conceding the first goal, Liverpool has adopted an aggressive approach and currently sits in the third position in the Premier League table.
Their unbeaten run at Anfield extends to 14 matches, and they have scored in all but one of their last 44 top-flight games at their home ground.
West Ham United had a memorable comeback of their own in their Europa League opener against Backa Topola.
James Ward-Prowse orchestrated two set-piece goals, leading to a 3-1 victory for the Hammers.
Their only defeat this season came at the hands of Manchester City, but they hold a healthy sixth position in the Premier League.
Team News:
Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch was forced off the field during their win over LASK Linz due to cramp, and it is uncertain whether he will feature in Sunday’s game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Thiago Alcantara are still on the road to recovery and unlikely to make their comebacks.
West Ham’s Edson Alvarez missed their Europa League match due to fatigue but is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Manager David Moyes faces a selection dilemma in attack, given Mohammed Kudus’s impressive performance in Europe.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson;
Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson;
Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones;
Salah, Gakpo, Jota
West Ham United:
Areola;
Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson;
Ward-Prowse, Alvarez;
Bowen, Kudus, Benrahma;
Antonio
Prediction:
We predict an exciting game with plenty of goal-scoring opportunities for both teams.
Considering Liverpool’s attacking prowess and West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities, we forecast a 3-1 victory for Liverpool.