Liverpool Winning Streak at Risk
The English Premier League title race is a matter of two: Manchester City and Liverpool. The Reds won their last six games, allowing them to close the gap to only six points. Plus, they’ve played one game less.
West Ham comes next. The Hammers haven’t lost in their last four games and are aiming to finish in the top four. For them, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League would be like winning the title.
Momentum and playing at home, where they own a 10-3-0 record, make Liverpool the betting online favorite at -315. However, the Hammers are one of two teams that have already beat the Reds.
Reds Unbeaten Home Record Also on the Line
Amid its winning streak in the EPL, Liverpool managed to win the EFL Cup and advance in the FA Cup. Also, they’re about to eliminate Inter Milan and advance to the UCL Round of 8. That’s how good this team is.
Regarding the EPL, the Reds crushed Leeds United 6-0 in their last game. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane scored two goals each. Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk also scored. No wonder Liverpool is the top-scoring team in the league with 70 goals, even central defenders score.
Well, having the league’s three top scorers also helps. Salah sits atop the scoring chart with 19 goals, he’s followed by Diogo Jota with 12 and Mane with 11. As if that wasn’t enough, they recently signed Colombian Luis Diaz. He scored 14 goals in the first half of the season while playing for Porto in the Primeira Liga.
Defensively, the Reds finished with a clean sheet in four of their last six games. That’s the difference between them and other powerhouses, balance.
Midweek, the Reds defeated Norwich 2-1 in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Most of the usual starters didn’t play, so they’ll be well rested for Saturday.
Summing up, you’ll never be wrong by including Liverpool in your soccer picks.
Liverpool projected lineup: Allison; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Curtis Jones, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara; Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz.
West Ham Focusing on the EPL
Well, the Hammers have no other choice after being eliminated from the FA Cup. They lost to Southampton, exactly like we predicted. Finishing in the EPL top four has always been their main goal, so it may end up being a good thing. Especially because they’re also competing in the UEFA Europa League. Fresher legs can make a huge difference.
Fortunately for them, recent EPL results have been positive. They haven’t lost in their last four games, beating Wolverhampton 1-0 in the last one. The Wolves won possession with 61%, but they never figured out what to do with the ball.
As I mentioned before, the Hammers are also competing in the UEL. They’ll face Sevilla in the Round of 16. Some tend to minimize said competition but it isn’t easy at all. Just ask Napoli or Borussia Dortmund.
The Hammers are also a well-balanced team. So balanced that their numbers at home and on the road are practically the same, 7-3-4 and 6-3-4. However, what makes them such a tempting underdog is the +900 price that they’re offering in the sportsbook. The payout for a $100 bet would be $1000. Hey, they already beat Liverpool this season.
The visitors’ attacking unit isn’t as good as Liverpool’s. Nevertheless, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen could be enough to do some damage on the counterattack. Each has scored eight goals.
West Ham projected lineup: Lukasz Fabianski; Ben Johnson, Craig Dawson, Kurt Zouma, Aaron Cresswell; Tomas Soucek, Declan Rice, Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma, Arthur Masuaku; Michail Antonio.
Liverpool vs West Ham Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 144
- Liverpool Victories: 77 (249 goals)
- West Ham Victories: 29 (142 goals)
- Draws: 38
The first meeting, at London Stadium, was a goal-fest that West Ham ended up winning 3-2. Allison (own goal), Pablo Fornals, and Kurt Zouma scored for the home side. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Divock Origi did it for the visitors.
The Reds are thirsty for revenge despite that was West Ham’s only victory in their last 10 meetings. On the other hand, they won eight and finished with a clean sheet three times.
Liverpool vs West Ham Game Information
- Date: Saturday, March 5
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Anfield, Liverpool
- Liverpool vs West Ham Live Stream: fuboTV
Liverpool vs West Ham Betting Lines
Liverpool vs West Ham Prediction
I truly believe that West Ham can put up a good fight, but against Liverpool that’s simply not enough. If Salah has a bad day, there’s Mane. If Mane has a bad day, there’s Jota. If Jota has a bad day, there’s Diaz. If Diaz has a bad day, there’s Firmino. And I could keep going, but you know what I mean. Liverpool’s offensive power is just too much. Plus, Anfield has become a fortress and they don’t want the Citizens to go away.
Expect another goal fest, enough to include the over in your soccer betting ticket. This time, Liverpool will come on top.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 3, West Ham 2
