Line-ups, stats and preview for Anfield clash

Match Preview for Liverpool v West Ham

Arne Slot is expecting another stern test of Liverpool’s top-four credentials when West Ham visit Anfield tomorrow.

The Hammers reside in the bottom three in the Premier League but are on a good run, suffering just one league defeat since January 6. Having looked in serious trouble a few weeks ago, they are now just two points from safety and will arrive on Merseyside in confident mood.

Liverpool have had their struggles at home this season – they have been held to draws by all three promoted sides – and Slot says the competitive nature of the Premier League means every game is a test.

He said: “Data tells you sometimes something that is right and sometimes you can manipulate it. But I cannot say we haven’t struggled against the promoted sides like Burnley and Leeds United. So we understand at this moment how difficult winning games in general is, regardless of where the position is in the league table.”

Liverpool were poor in the first half at Nottingham Forest last Sunday but improved after the break and eventually snatched the win thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s injury-time goal.

“I watch plenty of games of the opposition and I can tell you we are not the only team that sometimes plays a half like we played against Nottingham Forest,” Slot added.

“It’s also the quality you face and you have to give credit to Forest for the way they played. That is the new reality in the Premier League for the last few years. Before that, it was more obvious which were the top teams and they would beat the others. Maybe it’s about all the money in the league and these teams have owners who can spend.”

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo accepts a trip to Liverpool is a major test for his side but is pleased they are back “in the fight” to avoid the drop.

“We know it’s going to be tough. Going to Anfield is always tough, but at the same time a big challenge for us,” Nuno said.

“We are going to face a fantastic team full of talented players that only can bring the best out of us.

“This is what our major motivation is and to realise that we have to keep chasing, chasing, chasing.

“It’s the reality. It’s been that for some while now. We are in the fight.”

A win on Merseyside will see West Ham climb out of the bottom three, for 24 hours at least, with Forest not playing until Sunday.

Team News for Liverpool v West Ham

Florian Wirtz is not available for Liverpool with Slot admitting he does not know when the German will return. Jeremie Frimpong is fit, however, and will likely start on the bench.

Joe Gomez could be recalled at right-back with Dominik Szoboszlai pushed back to his preferred midfield slot.

West Ham’s January signing Pablo Felipe is still out with a calf problem.