Premier League: Hammers Out to Bury Anfield Hoodoo

Liverpool vs West Ham United

The newly-crowned League Cup winners continue their quest for glory this weekend.

With reigning champions Manchester City not in action until Sunday, Liverpool welcome West Ham to Anfield looking to close the gap on the Premier League leaders to three points.

And with both sides chasing the points for different reasons – the Merseysiders are in title contention while the Hammers have fourth spot and a Champions League berth in their sights – it could well be entertaining fare.

Talking Points

Last time they were at home in league action, Liverpool steamrollered naive Leeds United.

I would expect the “east enders” to be more savvy, yet it is still a big ask for David Moyes’ men on a ground where they have traditionally struggled.

On saying that, they have already beaten Jurgen Klopp’s men this term.

In November, they were victors in a five-goal thriller when Kurt Zouma netted the winner that propelled Moyes’ team to third.

Although they have slipped of late, they remain in fifth place ahead of capital rivals Arsenal on goal difference and Spurs, albeit both North London clubs have games in hand.

Consecutive draws had seen Moyes’ side lose ground until last Sunday when they created several excellent chances to score and reignited their pursuit of a top-four finish with success against Wolves.

A solitary goal was enough as Tomas Soucek celebrated his 27th birthday, the Czech Republic international poking home from Michail Antonio’s pass.

While Liverpool were seeing off Norwich City in the FA Cup in midweek, West Ham were knocked out by Southampton to leave the Europa League as their only chance of silverware.

Another season of European qualification though would be an equally fine achievement, given the resources of the rivals around them.

Certainly, if they can produce more Premier League 2022 highlights this weekend, then Hammers fans will start to really believe a top four berth is possible.

Liverpool had the advantage of resting key men in their midweek FA Cup win and should be at full strength for what could be an exciting teatime clash, the winner of which will receive a real boon.

History

On 78 occasions have Liverpool defeated West Ham, ever since their first meeting in the 1901 FA Cup.

As respective league and cup winners, they did clash in the 1964 Charity Shield at Wembley when the teams played out a 2-2 draw at Anfield with the home side managed by Bill Shankly and future England manager Ron Greenwood at the helm of the Hammers.

They also met in the Charity Shield in 1980, a match won 1-0 by Liverpool, and their most famous game was in the 1981 League Cup Final.

In a compelling finish, Alan Kennedy thought he had won it for Liverpool with a 118^th minute goal only for Ray Stewart to equalise with a penalty in the final minute of extra-time.

That led to a replay at Villa Park where goals from Scottish duo Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen secured a 2-1 Merseyside win after Paul Goddard had put West Ham in front. Until earlier this season, Liverpool had won eight of their last nine meetings, including this fixture last season when Pablo Fornals put the visitors in front only for a Mohamed Salah penalty and Diogo Jota goal to win it for the home side.

Betting Tip

The hosts are big favourites with the SBOTOP Premier League 2022 betting odds who tip them 1X2 @ 1.29 and Asian Handicap – 1.75 @ 2.16.

If the Hammers can earn a draw, then a payday of @ 5.20 will provide a tidy sum.

As for a first victory for them at Anfield since 2015, which was the last time they recorded a league double over them, 1X2 is on offer @ 9.50 and Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.04.

There hasn’t been a goalless draw in the league between these sides for nine years and that is reflected with odds including over 3.50 goals @ 2.38, Total Goal 0-1 @ 5.40, 2-3 @ 2.18 and 4-6 @ 2.55.

A repeat of this fixture last season at Correct Score 2-1 will pay out @ 7.60, while another 3-2 West Ham success is available at a massive @ 115.00.

West Ham or Draw @ Double Chance 3.35 are very attractive odds but it’s hard to see past a Liverpool win here – even more so when you consider West Ham United have won just one of their last 48 league visits to Anfield (L35).

 

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