West Ham host Liverpool at the London Stadium in a game which will have a big impact on both the title race and battle for European football.
Date: 27/04/24
Kick-off time: 12:30
Venue: London Stadium
After losing ground in the title race following last week’s defeat to Crystal Palace, Liverpool got back on track with a win at Fulham to overtake Man City into second, though the champions have a game in hand. They travel to West Ham hoping to maintain their position in the top three or capitalise on any dropped points by either Man City or Arsenal. Victory would keep them within the fight, whilst a draw or loss would almost certainly see them drop out of the race.
David Moyes’ side, in contrast, are fighting for a European place of their own. Sitting in eighth, they are still within touching distance of sixth place Newcastle, who are just two points ahead of them. However, they have played two more games than those around them after they were heavily defeated at Crystal Palace. This is why three points will be crucial for their chances, as they could soon slip further down the table.
Goals should be expected in this one, with West Ham failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 league games, a stretch that extends back to early January. They have also scored in eight of their last nine league games. Both teams have scored in five of Liverpool’s last six league fixtures.
Since 2020, these two sides have met nine times in the Premier League. It is Liverpool who have dominated this head-to-head, winning eight to West Ham’s two. The Hammers’ sole win in this run came in 2021, as they defeated the Reds 3-2. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in Liverpool’s favour, as they won 3-1 at Anfield. Mo Salah put his side in front early on from the penalty spot, but Jarrod Bowen equalised before half-time. Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota scored second-half goals to secure three points.