Anfield welcomes back Premier League (PL) football when Liverpool take on West Ham. The home side enters the new season in high spirits after some exciting signings and strong pre-season results.
Liverpool fans this season will see Alisson Becker, the second most expensive goalkeeper in the world, shielded by Virgil van Dijk, the most expensive defender in the world. That, coupled with big investments in midfield in the exciting Naby Keïta and Fabinho, has created an air of expectation around Jürgen Klopp’s side this season.
Liverpool won their last four matches in pre-season, including wins against Manchester neighbours City and United. Having banged in 14 goals across those matches, West Ham’s defence might be in for a hectic afternoon.
West Ham have had a busy summer as well, with Issa Diop, Andriy Yarmolenko, and Felipe Anderson arriving for upwards of €80 million in total. With the majority of the money going towards offensive assets, question marks still remain about ‘The Hammers’ backline; the West Ham defence conceded 68 goals last season, the league’s joint highest.
The Londoners have won just one of their last 17 league matches at Anfield (W1, D4, L12), a fortress for Liverpool who are currently on a 21-league game unbeaten run at home.
LIVE STREAMING LIVERPOOL VS WEST HAM 12.8.2018
Players to watch: With 32 goals and ten assists in 36 PL matches for Liverpool last season, the spotlight will be on Mohamed Salah once again, while Marko Arnautović has been on fire for West Ham in pre-season, with five goals in six matches.
Stat attack: The last four H2H games have all produced over 3.5 goals, and Liverpool alone have scored four goals in three straight games against West Ham.
West Ham away matches averaged 3.5 goals last season, with 68% of the matches producing over 2.5 goals.
West Ham took just two points against ‘Top 4’ opponents last season (D2, L6).
Will not play
Lovren D.(Chest Injury)
Carroll A.(Ankle Injury)
Oxlade-Chamberlain A.(Knee Injury)
Lanzini M.(Knee Injury)
Reid W. (Knee Injury)
Probably will not play
Klavan R. (Thigh Injury)
Fernandes E.(Injury)
Matip J.(Groin Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Taylor A. (Eng)
Venue: Anfield (Liverpool)