Liverpool Aim to Rebound Against West Ham and Tighten Title Grip | OneFootball

Liverpool vs West Ham: Premier League Preview

Date: Sunday, 13th April 2025

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 14:00 BST

Liverpool return to Anfield following a frustrating 3-2 away defeat to Fulham last weekend. That result, just their third league loss of the campaign, has momentarily stalled momentum, but Arne Slot’s side remains firmly in control of the Premier League title race. With seven games remaining and an eight or eleven-point cushion over Arsenal depending on Saturday’s results, the Reds can take a massive step toward securing their 20th English league crown with a victory against West Ham United on Sunday.

The Hammers arrive in uncertain form. Under Graham Potter, they’ve shown glimpses of improvement but have struggled for consistency since the turn of the year. Having taken just two points from their last four matches, and with a growing injury list, they face a difficult task in front of a packed Anfield crowd.

West Ham Availability

West Ham are facing mounting injury problems as they make the trip to Merseyside. Striker Michail Antonio is ruled out for the season with a broken leg. Jarrod Bowen, who has carried much of the attacking load, remains a doubt with a lingering foot problem though will likely start out of necessity.

Due to their inconsistency, West Ham sits in the bottom half of the table, currently 16th with 35 points from 31 games. The Hammers’ last win came nearly a month ago, and away fixtures against top opposition have posed real problems this season.

Graham Potter is likely to set his side up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 shape, with Lucas Paquetá the creative outlet behind Niclas Füllkrug, and Kudus and Benrahma expected to provide support from wide areas.

Predicted West Ham Lineup (4-2-3-1):

• GK: Alphonse Areola

• RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

• RCB: Jean-Clair Todibo

• LCB: Maximilian Kilman

• LB: Oliver Scarles

• CM: Edson Álvarez

• CM: James Ward-Prowse

• RW: Jarrod Bowen

• AM: Lucas Paquetá

• LW: Mohammed Kudus

• CF: Niclas Füllkrug

Liverpool Availability

Liverpool’s injury list remains unchanged for the most part, but there is optimism that goalkeeper Alisson Becker could return following concussion protocols. If not, Caoimhín Kelleher will continue between the posts. Conor Bradley is now back in full training and could reclaim the right-back spot from Curtis Jones, who filled in during the Fulham defeat.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez remain sidelined. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are both fit and expected to start, while Ryan Gravenberch may again get the nod as the defensive midfielder.

Arne Slot could look to rotate in forward areas, but with Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez still battling for the central striking berth. The front three is likely to receive some alterations with Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah offering key potency.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3):

• GK: Alisson Becker

• RB: Conor Bradley

• RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

• LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

• LB: Andy Robertson

• CM: Alexis Mac Allister

• ACM: Dominik Szoboszlai

• CM: Ryan Gravenberch

• RW: Mohamed Salah

• CF: Luis Díaz

• LW: Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out?

Liverpool will aim to assert early control, dominating possession and pinning West Ham deep. The movement and energy of Díaz and Salah will be crucial in stretching the Hammers’ back four, while Mac Allister’s ability to dictate the tempo could see the Reds generate consistent chances.

For West Ham, much will depend on the performance of Paquetá and Kudus, who will look to exploit any transitional opportunities. If they can frustrate Liverpool and remain compact, they may fancy their chances of nicking a result on the counter, especially with Liverpool’s erratic recent form.

However, with the Premier League title firmly in sight and the Anfield crowd behind them, Liverpool will be expected to respond strongly to last weekend’s setback.

Player to Watch: Luis Díaz

The Colombian winger has been electric in recent weeks, consistently providing energy, direct running, and a goal threat. Against a West Ham side that has struggled to contain dynamic players, Díaz could be the key to unlocking the visitors’ defence.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 3 – 1 West Ham