The EFL Cup matches continue on Wednesday as Liverpool and West Ham United meet in a blockbuster clash at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s side outclassed 2-1 Bournemouth in the round of 16, while the Hammers stunned Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to make it thus far in the domestic competition.
Match Preview
Liverpool will be disappointed for failing to register full points against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Merseyside giants had the perfect opportunity to pick up full points from the home encounter as United were enduring a woeful form.
Erik ten Hag’s men had suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Bournemouth and Bayern Munich prior to the Anfield game.
But the Reds failed to breach their defences and ultimately had to settle for a point only.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will now turn their focus to the Carabao Cup, which they last won in 2022.
Liverpool are competing for the Premier League title this season, but they will not miss out on the EFL Cup too.
Standing in their way on Wednesday will be West Ham United, who also look to have very strong ambitions after their stunning victory over Arsenal.
An own-goal from Ben White provided the Irons with an early breakthrough before Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen scored to put them in complete control.
Martin Odegaard reduced the arrears but that was no consolation for the North Londoners.
West Ham will enter the upcoming match on the back of an excellent 3-0 success over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
David Moyes’ men completely dominated the London Stadium encounter, with Mohammed Kudus bagging a brace and Jarrod Bowen also earning his name on the scoresheet.
The Scottish boss’ future at the club has been a source of speculation in the media. His current contract at the London Stadium will expire in the summer and he is yet to agree a new deal.
But if Moyes continues to deliver performances like this, then it will be a surprise if the hierarchy doesn’t hand him a new contract.
Team News
Liverpool are already without the services of Thiago Alcantara, Alexis Mac Allister and Stefan Bajcetic due to injury problems. Their problems looked to have worsened after Ryan Gravenberch was forced off the field against Manchester United due to an apparent hamstring issue. But it later emerged the summer arrival was only suffering from fatigue and should be available for selection on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, West Ham don’t have many injury woes this week, with striker Michail Antonio their only notable absentee.
Liverpool vs West Ham United predicted line-ups
Liverpool: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas; Elliott, Endo, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
West Ham United: Fabianski; Kehrer, Mavropanos, Aguerd, Cresswell; Soucek, Ward-Prowse; Kudus, Fornals, Benrahma; Ings
Liverpool vs West Ham United prediction
Both sides are expected to make changes for the upcoming Carabao Cup game. But the fact that it will be played at Liverpool’s fortress Anfield, we are backing the home sie to succeed.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham United
