West Ham vs Liverpool preview: Jurgen Klopp to keep faith in kids but star men could return from injury

A look ahead to the FA Cup fourth-round replay at Upton Park.

Liverpool attacking midfielder Adam Lallana and West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Daniel Sturridge

The weight of expectation will undoubtedly be on Sturridge, who will likely make a much-anticipated return to Klopp’s strike force. Liverpool’s front man who has not played since sustaining a hamstring injury on December 6 was an unused substitute in his side’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Sturridge’s fitness is an on-going problem, with Klopp opting to use Brazilian Roberto Firmino as an out of position striker lately.

Best stat…

West Ham are aiming to reach the fifth round of the FA cup for the fourth time in eight seasons.

Hammers manager Slaven Bilić will have a difficult time preparing for the Reds, insisting his players must work hard to close them down in midfield. If West Ham are able to put up a fight like they did at Anfield and use the home crowd to their advantage, they stand a good chance.

Remember when…

When these two sides met at Anfield, Darren Randolph stepped in to cover for Adrián, who was in Spain for family reasons. He put on an impressive display, repeatedly preventing attempt after attempt by Liverpool to snatch a winner.

Player to watch…

Joey O’Brien

Filling in for James Tomkins, who suffered a calf injury at Southampton, O’Brien has some big shoes to fill and the pressure will be on. Bilić has backed the 29-year-old, insisting he has what it takes to fill the void. O'Brien's lack of recent playing time could, however, result in West Ham’s right flank being exposed with the Anfield trio of Sturridge, Origi and playmaker Coutinho set to return.

Past three-meetings…

Liverpool 0 West Ham 0
FA Cup, January 2016

West Ham 2 (Carroll, Antonio) Liverpool 0
Premier League, January 2016

West Ham 3 (Lanzini, Noble, Sakho) Liverpool 0
Premier League, August 2015

Form guide…

Liverpool: WWLDLD

West Ham: WLDDWL

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 7:45pm

TV: Live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 2 HD