West Ham United suffered a major setback in midweek as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton and things could get even worse because they take on Liverpool this weekend in the Premier League.
The Hammers are still in the race for a top-four finish and they are just two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. The Gunners are breathing down their neck so they need to pick up all three points if they wish to remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot.
The loss to Southampton was a major blow for David Moyes because he had named a full-strength squad but they still lost 3-1. Almost the same set of players should be playing against Liverpool as well so fatigue could be a major issue for the London side on Saturday.
In the FA Cup clash, Moyes chose to use a three-man backline but this weekend the manager should revert to a traditional back four with two full-backs. The Hammers beat Liverpool in the reverse fixture in November so they know what it takes to beat Jurgen Klopp’s side but the Anfield outfit have won their last 8 home matches in the Premier League so beating them this time around will not be easy.
West Ham United team news vs Liverpool:
With the Hammers likely to go back to a 4-2-3-1 system, Issa Diop is going to move back to the bench while Zouma and Dawson hold onto their place.
The Saints sail into the quarter-finals ⛵️@SouthamptonFC sealed their place in the #EmiratesFACup quarter-finals as they hammered three past @WestHam ⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/tLd2ObIMMZ
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 2, 2022
Vladimir Coufal and Ryan Fredericks are both ruled out meaning Ben Johnson will play on the right-hand side of defence with Cresswell playing on the other side.
The 3-4-3 system meant Fornals was playing as the left wing-back but a change in formation will allow him to move back to his familiar role of a right-winger with Lanzini playing as the attacking midfielder.
Soucek and Declan Rice both played against Southampton so they will hold onto their place.
Other than one or two changes, the manager will use the same players who played in the FA Cup defeat so fatigue is surely going to be a major issue for the Hammers. Liverpool, on the other hand, had the chance to rest several players during their win against Norwich City so Klopp’s players will be properly rested.
Recent form:
Liverpool: WDDWL
West Ham United: WWWWW
Head to Head:
Liverpool wins: 13
Draw: 4
West Ham: 6
Read: Liverpool team news & injuries vs West Ham United.
Read: Liverpool have to shell out £75M+ if they want to sign this 25Y/O winger.
Read: How much prize money do the winners and losers get in the EFL Cup?
Stats courtesy Fotmob.
