Liverpool were a disappointed unit after their shocking loss to Bournemouth in their last match, as they gave away two-goal lead to lose 3-4. Jurgen Klopp and his players will hope to get back to their winning ways as they are set to face West Ham at Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds, despite that loss, have been one of the strongest teams in the Premier League. With Liverpool playing an entertaining brand of football, they have been a joy to watch, but it is their performances at the back, which has been causing problems as was witnessed against Bournemouth.
Liverpool will be pleased with the expected return of centre-back Joel Matip, who has been solid for the Reds. Matip and Dejan Lovren has been a good pair of late, but goalkeeper Loris Karius has not justified his selection ahead of Simon Mignolet in the Premier League. Klopp is expected to keep faith in Karius under the bar.
"You need players who fit the style. We are a footballing side and sometimes we use the goalkeeper for this. We need him to make quick decisions. Don't think I'm pretty special in this – I think all coaches would look for the same. Of course, you don't want to concede goals and that is all about the defending of the whole team," Guardian quoted Klopp as saying.
Though they might have some defensive problems in the league this season, scoring has never been their problem. Philippe Coutinho has been ruled out for some weeks, but they are still a potent force going forward with the likes of Divock Origi, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
With such players, West Ham have a huge task, as they will hope to make sure that Liverpool are not given much chances to score. Manager Slaven Bilic wants his team to look for clean sheet in all matches.
"Keeping a clean sheet is a challenge for us. We've had three clean sheets, against Bournemouth, against Palace and against Sunderland, those three. No team can be guaranteed that they won't concede a goal. You can't be guaranteed a clean sheet, but you have to have a clean sheet mentality," Bilic said.
West Ham have been poor this season, and are suffering in the relegation zone in the 18th place with three wins only. Something does not seem to be right at the club, as the players also look disjointed.
But, they can silence each and every one including critics if they can defeat Liverpool at Anfield. Can they? At the present moment, the task looks daunting.
Where to Watch Live
Liverpool vs West Ham is set to begin at 10 pm IST (4.30pm GMT, 11.30am ET). Live streaming and TV information is below.
India: TV: Star Sports Select HD1. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 1. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
USA: TV: NBCSN. Live Streaming: NBC Sports Live.
Australia: TV: Optus Sport. Live Streaming: Optus Online.
Thailand, Middle East: TV: Bein Sports. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
