WEST HAM look set to face a Liverpool side who look to be without star striker Fernando Torres, writes James Randall.

Torres has been in impressive form this season, netting 14 goals - including a hat-trick two Saturday's ago against Middlesbrough but could miss the visit of the Hammers because of a stomach bug.

He looks set to be replaced by Peter Crouch up front, who has spent recent weeks watching from the bench.

Liverpool boss Rafa is also set to be without ex-Fulham man Steve Finnan, who faces a lay off with a groin problem.

The visitors however, could name an unchanged side if midfielder Julien Faubert recovers from a hamstring problem that he picked up from a challenge from Claude Makelele, during his sides 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea.