West Ham vs Liverpool preview: Injury-hit Hammers take on improving Reds

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Upton Park

Alberto Moreno is kicked in the face by Emre Can as Liverpool celebrate Christian Benteke's goal (Reuters)

It’s a big game for…

Christian Benteke: Asked to “run more” by Jurgen Klopp, the visitors will be relying on the Belgian striker’s firepower if they are to take the three points on Saturday. The Reds are lingering in 7th place and have lost their last two out of three away games.

Best stat…

If West Ham win on Saturday it will be the first time they have won two consecutive League matches against Liverpool since the 1963-64 season.

Remember when…

Diafra Sakho goal, 20th September 2014 - a wonderful chipped finish from the Senegalese forward gave the Hammers an early 2-0 lead en route to a 3-1 victory at home.

Player to watch…

Manuel Lanzini: The 22-year-old Argentinian enjoyed a dream debut when these two sides met in August – scoring on debut just three minutes into the match in front of the Kop. The creative midfielder will be hoping to help his team to victory again come Saturday lunchtime.

Past three meetings…

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

Liverpool 2 (Sterling, Sturridge) West Ham United 0, Premier League, January 2015

West Ham United 3 (Reid, Sakho, Amalfitano) Liverpool 1 (Sterling), Premier League, September 2014

Form guide…

West Ham United: DDDDDW

Liverpool: WLDDLW

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 12:45PM

TV: Live on BT Sport1, highlights on BBC1 at 10:30pm.