Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from a defeat at Anfield at the hands of Aston Villa, and although then won in midweek against Ludogorets, it was far from a convincing performance from Brendan Rodgers’ men.
Liverpool’s start has been far from perfect and since losing Daniel Sturridge to injury they’ve not looked like the same force. Can West Ham possibly pile on early misery and if so, how will they do it?
The Hammers haven’t got the results that they would have wanted so far but the performances have been much improved from the previous campaign. Against Hull on Monday, ex-Red Stewart Downing was unleashed in a central role – something which the winger who is known most for his crosses has not been previously used to. When I saw that he was roaming from his natural position I wasn’t particularly impressed with the decision and I suppose I’m still used to The Hammers relying entirely on deliveries from the wide positions. However, Downing ran the show against Hull City and they couldn’t deal with him. He assisted both goals and was integral in most of West Ham’s good forward moves. He may be given the same job again, and if he does he could get some joy from his old club.
Steven Gerrard is now playing as an anchor man and he doesn’t get forward anymore, something which still haunts me is *that* Gerrard FA Cup final equaliser, so i’m pleased that he’s no longer a danger of scoring outside of a set-piece. The Hammers will play with an attacking midfielder (likely to be Mauro Zarate) and he will hopefully occupy Gerrard. That should give Downing the freedom as he switches wings and roams into a central position looking for the key killer passes.
The Reds’ defence was weak last season and although they’ve certainly improved it, their best defence contains three new signings who are still settling in, so there are goals to be had. The Reds looked especially vulnerable to counter-attacks versus Ludogorets and that was to be expected when they were trying so desperately to break the deadlock. The Hammers now have pacey attackers and a counter-attack system will certainly be adopted against Liverpool as the away side try to dominate possession. It’s one way for The Irons to make sure they come out on top.
Another area to target is offensive set-pieces. Aston Villa created all their chances from set-pieces and with some fantastic deliverers of the ball and some tall brutes amongst the squad, West Ham may find a goal or two from such means.
One things is for sure – West Ham need a home win ASAP to keep the fans happy. A good performance versus Tottenham ended in defeat and a dismal thrashing by Southampton was very worrying. On paper Liverpool are not any easier than those two sides, but I have a reasonable amount of confidence that The Hammers can take the game to Liverpool and with the Champions League fatigue settling in, it may be the time to get off the mark at The Boleyn Ground for Big Sam this campaign.
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