Liverpool will look to take one step closer to clinching their first-ever Premier League title when they play West Ham for the second time in a month on Monday night. The Hammers are looking to avoid their sixth defeat in eight games. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
The Reds remain unbeaten this season and have won all 13 of their matches at Anfield. They currently boast a 22-point lead over their closest challengers and current champions Manchester City. They beat the Hammers earlier this month and will look to take another giant step to the title by winning the first of their five games to clinch the trophy for the first time.
Things look bleak for the Hammers who sit 18th in the table. Their quest for survival is getting more difficult due to their horrific fixture list. They have won three league matches since that 2-0 win over Manchester United in September and with just 12 games left to play, they’re running out of time. Their next six games read; Liverpool, Southampton, Arsenal, Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Can they survive this?
Betting preview
Liverpool have won the first half in 11 of their 13 home games this season. West Ham have lost in the first half in their last two league matches away from home. The hosts have also emerged winners in the first half in four of their last five meetings with David Moyes’ side. For that reason, you can back a Liverpool Win in the First Half at odds of 1.50.
Eight of Liverpool’s last ten Premier League games and seven of West Ham’s last ten in the league have seen three or fewer goals. Therefore, you can back Under 3.5 Goals in this match at odds of 1.80.
Mohamed Salah has scored five goals in five appearances against the Hammers, including one in their last meeting last month. The Egyptian forward has also found the net 14 times in the Premier League. You can back Mohamed Salah as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 1.55.
Team news
The one key absentee for the Reds tonight is Jordan Henderson, who suffered a hamstring injury at Atletico Madrid in midweek. Henderson’s absence means the likes of Naby Keita and Adam Lallana should get a chance to play.
West Ham will be without right-back Ryan Fredericks, after he sustained shoulder ligament damage in the 2-0 loss to Manchester City, while Moyes confirmed on Friday that Andriy Yarmolenko is still short of fitness.
Possible line-ups
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Keita, Mane, Salah, Firmino.
West Ham: Fabianski, Zabaleta, Diop, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Noble, Rice, Soucek; Antonio, Lanzini, Haller