West Ham vs. Liverpool : Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 26)
Initial Thoughts
Both sides have picked up encouraging results of late, but West Ham may never face a better opportunity to take points off Liverpool when the two sides meet at the London stadium on Wednesday night.
The Narrative
After falling as low as 10th in the aftermath of a 3-0 loss to Wolves back in February, Liverpool have been creeping back up the table in recent weeks, with Klopp’s side currently just three points short of a Europa League spot next season.
That’s about as much as Liverpool can hope for though, after one of the most disappointing league campaigns in living memory.
From reaching four finals and challenging for the title all the way to the final minute of the season last year, the 2022/23 campaign has been a total write off for Klopp’s beleaguered squad - and players and fans alike are hoping to make it to their summer holidays with as little drama as possible.
West Ham are in a similar situation, having navigated their way out of a relegation dogfight and with their Premier League status all but assured next season.
But David Moyes’s side are also enjoying a deep European run for the second season in a row, having gone all the way to the Europa League final last year.
Last week the Hammers saw off Gent 5-2 on aggregate in the Conference League last week to book a semi-final showdown against AZ Alkmaar of the Dutch league next month.
A season ago Liverpool would be nailed-on winners here, and a few months ago you wouldn't give Klopp’s side much of a chance in any game away from home.
But Liverpool’s recent uptick in form sees them enter Wednesday night’s class as favorites, while West Ham will still feel there are points to be had here after turning their season around in recent matches.
Nuts and Bolts
David Moyes’ side have lost only once in their last 8 outings and arrive in Wednesday night's clash on a five game unbeaten run in all competitions.
After winning 1-0 away to Fulham, the Hammers pulled off a stunning 2-2 draw against Arsenal to throw the title race wide open, and followed that up with an emphatic 4-0 win against relegation strugglers Bournemouth.
Liverpool are aiming to win three Premier League games in a row for only the second time this season on Wednesday night, having demolished Leeds 6-1 away and beaten Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Anfield last week.
Diogo Jota racked up four goals across those two matches - finding the net for the first time in almost a year. But the Forest game wasn't easy viewing for the home fans, with Steve Cooper’s side twice coming back into the game and almost scoring an equalizer at the death when Brennan Johnson hit the bar in the closing minutes.
West Ham haven’t won back to back Premier League games since October last year, but momentum might just be with the home side with Moyes' team scoring goals aplenty and having lost only once this year at the London Stadium.
Homestand Picks
All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets
Coming off victory and Europe, there was a swagger to the Hammers as they blew Bournemouth away on the weekend. A lot here depends on which Liverpool turns up here, but the home side are great value for an upset.
Liverpool have seen 16 total goals in their last three league outings and West Ham have witnessed 15. All that said - this game should see plenty of chances for both sides.
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