Premier League: Liverpool v West Ham United match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League fixture at Anfield

Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring four goals against Norwich (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool host West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday after a master class of a display from their talisman Luis Suarez against Norwich on Wednesday. The Uruguayan forward scored a sublime first half hat-trick before adding a fourth in the second half, commiserating Norwich to a convincing 4-1 defeat. West Ham, on the other hand, slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of newly promoted Crystal Palace, a result Sam Allardyce will be looking to quickly forget.

The result has left West Ham teetering above the relegation zone, and whilst Saturday’s match isn’t a must win, a much better performance is required as they host relegation strugglers Sunderland the following week. For Liverpool, December represents a tough run of fixtures, matches against Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea all follow therefore making the Sunderland fixture a must-win.

With the Christmas period well and truly upon us, rotation could be key in the following weeks. A win for Liverpool would put added pressure on Arsenal, who play against Everton on Sunday, and cement their place in the top four for the time being. West Ham could be lifted to six points above the relegation zone if results go there way, but that certainly would be a big upset, especially with the recent form of Liverpool’s Suarez.

KICK-OFF:Saturday, 3.00pm

PAST MEETINGS:

Liverpool 0 West Ham 0, Premier League, April 2013

West Ham 2 (Noble, Gerrard og) Liverpool 3 (Johnson, J Cole, Shelvey), Premier League, December 2012

West Ham 3 (Parker, Ba, C Cole) Liverpool 1 (Johnson), Premier League, February 2011

STATS:

Liverpool have scored 16 goals in the past four home games in the Premier League

Liverpool have only lost twice in 17 home games (W12 D3 L2)

West Ham have only won twice in their past 21 away games (W2 D6 L13)

West Ham have failed to score in 12 of the past 21 away games

ODDS:

Liverpool to win: 1.25

West Ham to win: 11.00

Draw: 5.50

TV: Highlights on BBC One on Match of the Day at 10.20pm