Saturday night thriller at Anfield?
Premier League champions Liverpool host West Ham United as they look to leapfrog local rivals Everton to the summit of the division. The Hammers have had an extremely difficult fixture list of late playing three of last season’s top six in their last three encounters, picking up five points along the way, suggesting that they pose a much tougher test to Jurgen Klopp’s men than the bookmakers are anticipating. There is no value in backing the Reds to get the win, they are overwhelming favourites despite the long term loss of crucial defender Virgil Van Dijk. The goals angle is the most enticing as each team has been involved in some epics that have been incredibly common in the opening knockings of this 2020/21 campaign.
Ones to watch
Journeyman Michail Antonio, who has applied himself impeccably for West Ham in recent years playing in many positions from right back to centre forward has been one of the shining lights for the club since their move to the London Stadium. His high energy bustling playing style will give newly paired centre back duo Joe Gomez and Fabinho a lot to contend with. The Reds are in midweek action in the Champions League when they host Midtjylland on Tuesday evening, and so will have less recovery time than the Londoners in time for this meeting on Saturday.
Antonio does not give defenders a minute's peace, with constant running into the channels and strong hold up play in possession, to intense pressing and physicality out of it. Accompanied by the skill of Pablo Fornals and intelligence of Jarrod Bowen they make a competitive trio such that on current form pushes David Moyes’ men comfortably into the top half of the division.
Let’s focus on a summer addition for Liverpool, and despite not being a first choice option for Klopp, the form of Diogo Jota could play a pivotal role in the fortunes of the club this season. Providing cover in all positions across the familiar front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the Portugal international could make the rotation seamless or of stark contrast. Should he go into some bad form and the heavy fixture list will hurt Liverpool as they look to compete in England and Europe, but if he can keep it together and show up in the big moments just as Divock Origi has in recent years, then the Reds look set to take another major crown this term.
Liverpool are the stronger side but are not as ruthless as last term, the Hammers will make this interesting.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Diogo Jota earns us the win, scoring the winner as the Reds grabbed all three points, 2-1.