West Ham had a terrible start to the Premier League season but in recent weeks they have found a way to pick up a few points and help their league position. They have only won one of their last five which is far from good enough, but with two draws they have only lost two out of their last five so at least they are picking regular points up now.
Liverpool have struggled for consistency and have a terrible defensive record too, but despite that they are still in 6th position and hopeful of a top four finish. They need to shore up their defensive problems if they are to contend for the top four, and I expect them to deal with that in January, however for now players are going to have to step up and help out.
Premier League – Olympiastadion London, London – Saturday 2nd November – 17.30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 10/3 at Ladbrokes |
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Westham
LiverpoolWest Ham Form
There hasn’t been much to cheer about for West Ham fans so far, they have just two wins from their opening ten games and look in danger of becoming involved in the relegation zone. They spent big during the summer, much more than most around them but so far they are not seeing any dividends from that and continue to struggle both defensively and in front of goal.
They have just ten goals from their first ten games which is disappointing for a team with the attacking players that they have. If you add to that the fact they have conceded 19 goals then it is clear that West Ham have problems at both ends of the pitch, not just at one.
While draws against Burnley and Crystal Palace were not too bad, they were a lot better than the 3-0 home defeat they suffered against Brighton. That game was West Ham at their worst and they cannot afford many more like that this season. It is an important month for West Ham, they are far better than their current league position, and need to start showing it.
Liverpool Form
Liverpool are certainly the toughest team in the Premier League to work out. One minute they look like potential league winners, then the next they are struggling defensively and shipping in goals from all over the field. They have scored 17 goals which is very good, but for a top team to concede 16 goals it is not good enough, certainly not good enough for the top four.
A 3-0 home victory against Huddersfield will have steadied the ship a little but just a week earlier they were comprehensively outplayed and beaten by Tottenham 4-1. That display was far from the Liverpool we know, and if the top four is their aim then they must be better, because it is Tottenham or last season’s winners Chelsea that they will have to displace.
Liverpool certainly have enough talent going forward to worry any team in the Premier League, but it is their defensive game that needs to improve. If they really are to challenge for the top four each season, and try to challenge for the Premier League title then that is what must improve.
Team News
When West Ham signed Javier Hernandez many believe it was a very good signing, but we haven’t seen the best from him yet. He scored a goal in the draw with Crystal Palace last weekend and he needs to be a bigger part of this team, and score some more goals for them. He has the ability to score 20 goals a season, and that is what West Ham could really do with to kick start their season.
While Liverpool have been brilliant to watch going forward at times, they have not got the balance right just yet and because of that they are having defensive problems. They are unable to change the personnel, but maybe a change in tactics would help, with the midfield players like Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum doing more defensively instead of looking to get forward all the time.
Top Betting Tips
Right now it is tough to back West Ham because of the form they are in and it is also difficult to trust Liverpool because of their defensive record. That leave the draw, which is a very appealing price at 10/3 with Ladbrokes and something I am happy to take a chance on. Both teams have their worries and this game may end up being settled as a draw, with both teams happy to take home a point from it.