Two sides in dire need of three points lock horns in the Premier League this weekend as Liverpool take on West Ham.
Liverpool remain firmly in the hunt for a Champions League place and come into the weekend with 45 points from 27 games, leaving them 6th in the table. A last gasp win at Nottingham Forest marked a significant result for the Reds at the weekend, and should results go their way, they can leapfrog Chelsea in 5th this weekend.
Arne Slot's side are in good form, winning four of their last five games, while they've lost only one of their last ten at Anfield in all competitions, with that sole defeat coming at the hands of Manchester City. Their performances have remained inconsistent, but they're proving adept at picking up results consistently enough to remain right in the Champions League race, so a top-five finish is well within their grasp.
Their last four consecutive games at Anfield have seen over 2.5 goals scored, with the Reds scoring three or more goals on four of those occasions, so they'll be determined to put on a show for their fans this weekend. 50% of their last ten games have seen BTTS occur, but they've only conceded two or more goals in two of those games, so they'll be satisfied with their recent defensive performances.
West Ham, meanwhile, are desperately trying to claw their way out of the relegation zone. The Hammers' performances have improved tenfold in recent weeks, but wins are still few and far between and fans are starting to worry that their improvements might prove too little, too late.
They've lost only one of their last six games in the league, winning three of those. 60% of their last ten games in all competitions have seen both BTTS and over 2.5 goals scored, showing a team that provides bang for buck entertainment-wise, but they've won only two of their last ten away fixtures in the league.
The Hammers have an exceptionally poor record against Liverpool, with the Reds winning all of the last ten head-to-head meetings between the teams, and recent clashes have resulted in comprehensive battering in favour of Liverpool. The last four meetings have seen two 5-1 wins and a 3-1 win, so West Ham will be wary of the challenge in front of them.
With home advantage and much to play for, Liverpool should see this one over the line, but with West Ham's improved forms, it might be more competitive than recent meetings.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
