Liverpool vs West Ham: Anfield Expects!

Liverpool vs West Ham United

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are back, Mo Salah and all, and the long-suffering Liverpudlians think this could be their year…again.

It’s been almost three decades since the league title came to Anfield, but the Premier League’s second favourites have what it takes to mount one heck of a challenge. First up for the Reds is Liverpool vs West Ham, and just a few months ago you’d have put your house on a home win as the Hammers squabbled their way to defeat after defeat.

But they hope the arrival of head coach Manuel Pellegrini has changed all that. He’s already won the Premier League with Manchester City so he knows what it takes. Does Jurgen?

We’ll get the first clues this weekend as the SBOBET Premier League 2018 is about to kick off in most spectacular style, and you’ll get all the Liverpool vs West Ham news right here at SBOBET!

Talking Points

Jurgen Klopp has spent big over the summer, bringing in record-breaking goal-keeper Alisson as a real statement of intent. The Brazil man has been widely sought after and could be the solution to a goalkeeping dilemma which has dogged Klopp ever since his arrival on Merseyside.

Liverpool vs West Ham: Alisson Becker ready for his Premier league debut for the Reds — Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker in action during their fiendly match against Napoli

He’s also brought in another Brazil international in midfielder Fabinho from Monaco. That’s a real plus for fellow countryman Roberto Firminho who thrives off the type of service Fabinho can provide. And then Klopp has further strengthened his midfield with the addition of Guinea captain Naby Keita who featured impressively in the ICC tournament. Keita’s high pressing and often-direct style will make space and provide more opportunities for the Red front three, and that is a truly terrifying prospect for Premier League defences this term.

The Hammers’ new coach, Manuel Pellegrini, has also been splashing the cash rather liberally. He won the Premier League title with Manchester City and he wouldn’t want a first relegation on his CV. During a poor season, the West Ham faithful turned on their players and the owners, notably in a home humiliation by Burnley. Messrs Gold and Sullivan have backed their new man to keep the Eastenders cheerful.

West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini during a pre-season press conference

They have picked up winger Andriy Yarmolenko who, at 28, still has plenty to offer. After starring for Dynamo Kiev, he moved to Borussia Dortmund last season. Though that didn’t really work out, at 6 ft 3 he has the physicality and an eye for goal to succeed in England. But the biggest outlay has gone on Lazio’s midfielder Felipe Anderson. at £35 million he’s a massive investment; at the least, the Hammers can say they have their own Brazilian now!

West Ham will undoubtedly be more pleasing on the eye this year, which should please their sentimental fans. And the recruitment of Anderson might even put a smile on the face of striker Marko Arnautovic: his 11 goals helped to keep the Hammers up last term, and he could thrive with more service.

History

Both teams arrive at this clash on the crest of a strong pre-season, with four consecutive wins each. The highlight of Liverpool’s run up to the league campaign was a 4-1 thumping of Manchester United in the ICC Trophy, and Klopp’s team is already set up to score goals at will. Meanwhile, the Hammers have beaten Angers, Aston Villa and Ipswich.

Liverpool dominated meetings between the two teams over the years, winning 27 of 47 matches. Meanwhile, West Ham won ten and split the honours on ten more.

It was a brutal tale last season as the Reds handed out a pair of 4-1 hammerings to the Hammers, but things are different in East London this time out, or so they hope.

Betting Tip

	Liverpool vs West Ham United	Liverpool -0.75 First Half Asian Handicap @ 1.90
	August 12, 20:30 (GMT+8)

So let’s see what the Liverpool vs West Ham odds can tell us.

Despite West Ham’s strengthening, they will still struggle to contain a Liverpool side which has flexed its own financial muscle quite spectacularly.

We expect a two-goal margin, with the handicap betting offer of 1.84 on a win, with a -1.75 goal handicap for the Reds, while that start means West Ham is available at 2.07.

And any game with Mo Salah in it is bound to have goals and there should be plenty at Anfield. Over 3.25 goals is at 1.95 while Under 3.25 is 1.95.

2-0 at 6.40 or 3-0 at 7.60 are the most likely results, and 2-3 goals is available at 2.18.

Either way, I expect a quick start from the Reds.