West Ham v Liverpool
Premier League, May 9, 5.30pm
LAST MEETING: Liverpool 0-0 West Ham (01/12/08) The Hammers earned a goalless draw at Anfield, but that side is almost unrecognisable from the one that beat Stoke on Saturday. Just four players – Robert Green, Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson and Herita Ilunga – were present that day in December.
LAST TIME AT UPTON PARK: West Ham 1-0 Liverpool (30/01/08) A last-minute penalty from Mark Noble won all three points for the Irons.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: West Ham 23 wins, Liverpool 60 wins, 34 draws.
FORM: Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games, a run that has seen them stay hot on the heels of leaders Manchester United. The signs are ominous for the Hammers, as the Reds have found their golden touch in front of goal, with 21 goals coming in their last six games.
DANGER MAN: Is it Steven Gerrard? Or Fernando Torres? Both are Liverpool's lethal weapons, and the team rarely functions without one or the other. Torres is likely to start on the bench on Saturday, as he recovers from a hamstring injury, so Gerrard it is. He's strong. He's quick. He's powerful. He can pass. He can tackle. He scores. Need we say any more?
FUN FACT: Liverpool was founded by businessman and owner of Anfield John Houlding, in 1892, after failing to agree a new deal with the stadium's previous tenants, Everton FC.
PREDICTION: West Ham 1 Liverpool 2.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here