Liverpool vs West Ham Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | EFL Cup, September 25, 2024

Preview

• Date: Wednesday, September 25
• Kick-off Time: 7:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

One of the biggest matchups in the third round of the 2024/25 EFL Cup will be Liverpool vs West Ham. The contest will be played out at the historic and iconic Anfield stadium. For Liverpool, it will be the beginning of the journey in this season’s EFL Cup. West Ham United finds itself in this round thanks to a 1-0 victory at home against Bournemouth in late August. English referee, Andy Madley will be the assigned official for the match.

Liverpool has enjoyed a fine start to life under Arne Slot. The Dutch coach has overseen five victories so far along with an unfortunate narrow defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Reds have been exemplary in defence, having conceded only two goals so far. Liverpool lifted the EFL Cup last season under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp. The club also holds the record for the most number of trophies in the competition with 10 to its name.

West Ham’s recent form has been a turbulent one. In the last six outings, the Hammers have managed only a couple of victories, accompanied by three defeats and a draw. One of the wins was against Bournemouth in round two of the EFL Cup which secured qualification. Julen Lopetegui would have certainly aspired for a better start at the London stadium. West Ham exited last year’s edition of the cup competition to Wednesday’s opponents, Liverpool in the quarterfinals following a 5-1 defeat.

Liverpool Team News

Harvey Elliott will continue to remain on the sidelines for Liverpool as the 21-year-old continues to recover from a broken foot. Starting goalkeeper, Alisson Becker is a doubt due to a muscle injury and is expected to be rested on Wednesday. Arne Slot hinted at giving Darwin Nunez a start to follow up his excellent display against Bournemouth on the weekend.

West Ham Team News

German striker, Niclas Füllkrug is uncertain for the contest against Liverpool owing to a calf injury. Julen Lopetegui will have little choice other than naming his strongest starting XI to negate an in-form and sumptuous Liverpool team. The Hammers are expected to continue with their 3-4-2-1 formation.

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Liverpool vs West Ham Predicted Lineups

Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Kelleher

Defenders: Bradley, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas

Midfielders: Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai

Forwards: Gakpo, Jota, Nunez

West Ham Predicted Lineup (5-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Areola

Defenders: Wan- Bissaka, Mavropanos, Alvarez, Kilman, Emerson

Midfielders: Soucek, Paqueta, Summerville, Kudus

Forwards: Bowen

Liverpool vs West Ham H2H Record

The hosts have not lost to West Ham United in their last six meetings, which includes five victories and a draw. The two clubs squared up in April, playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw. West Ham’s last victory over Liverpool came back in November 2021.

Key Players to Watch in Liverpool vs West Ham

Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)

Arne Slot has more or less confirmed in his press conference after the Bournemouth game that Darwin Nunez will start against West Ham. The Uruguayan was used scarcely by the coach in the opening games and only made his first start of the season on Saturday. Nunez ensured to make the most out of the opportunity, scoring a wonderful goal against the Cherries. The Liverpool faithful will expect the 25-year-old to step up on Wednesday in the absence of Mohamed Salah and take the load of the goalscoring responsibilities. He has two goals and an assist in five appearances against West Ham.

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

Ryan Gravenberch’s partner in the double pivot, Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be rested in the EFL Cup. Consequently, the Dutchman will be the key piece for Arne Slot in the centre of the park. Gravenberch has finally settled in England and his performances have grown magnificently this season. The 22-year-old is one of the highest-rated players for his club so far and is eventually living up to his potential. Gravenberch’s display against West Ham will influence the level of control and dominance the hosts enjoy.

Liverpool vs West Ham Prediction

It is difficult to make a case against Liverpool on Wednesday. The hosts are compact and almost impenetrable in defence. While West Ham is labouring a crisis in the attack. The head-to-head record also validates a comfortable victory for the Reds. A goal-fest is in the making at Anfield with the visitors in for a challenging evening.

Predicted Score: Liverpool 4-1 West Ham

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Where to watch Liverpool vs West Ham Live?

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