Preview: Liverpool vs West Ham

Brendan Rodgers has claimed that this will be Liverpool’s “toughest fixture so far” as they welcome a stuttering West Ham to Anfield.

It seems a strange statement given they played at the Emirates on Monday, but Rodgers insisted that a strong home record is essential if the Reds are to have a successful campaign and has instilled in his players the importance of not slipping up in games such as this.

Club captain Jordan Henderson is a doubt for the hosts with a foot injury, whilst Adam Lallana has picked up a thigh injury which will prevent him playing any part. Jon Flanagan and Joe Allen are also out.

West Ham’s hugely impressive opening day win at Arsenal seems a long time ago now, as they have stumbled to consecutive home defeats in the matches since.

History suggests Anfield is not the place for the Hammers to end their recent run of defeats; they have not won there since 1963 and have scored just seven goals in their last 30 visits; Bobby Zamora was the last West Ham player to score at Anfield, and that was nine years ago this weekend.

The East Londoners have also had off-pitch problems – Diafra Sakho was arrested last week and former captain Kevin Nolan has left the club by mutual consent.

Despite his run-in with the law, the Senegalese striker is set to feature on Saturday as fellow frontmen, Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll and Mauro Zarate, are all missing with injuries.

Adrian and Carl Jenkinson will both miss the match through suspension, a sign that West Ham are unlikely to retain the fair play award they collected last season.

League Position: Liverpool – 3rd; West Ham – 11th
Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, 31 January 2015
Form: Liverpool – WWD; West Ham – WLL
Key Men: Liverpool – Philippe Coutinho; West Ham – Dimitri Payet

Shoot says: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham