Liverpool kick off their EFL Cup defence at Anfield this Wednesday, hosting a struggling West Ham side. Both teams have had contrasting starts to their campaigns, with the Reds aiming to maintain their momentum while the Hammers look to bounce back from their recent dip in form.
Liverpool, after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League, come into this game as favorites. Meanwhile, West Ham are seeking redemption following their heavy 3-0 defeat to Chelsea over the weekend.
Liverpool Aim to Maintain Dominance | Home Win = 1.38
The Reds have been in fine form, winning five of their six games this season. Luis Diaz has been a standout performer, netting five goals in as many league matches, including a brace in the weekend’s victory. Liverpool’s defence has been equally solid, conceding only two goals in all competitions.
Liverpool are also unbeaten at Anfield in EFL Cup fixtures since 2020, and their third-round exit six years ago remains a distant memory. Klopp’s side will be keen to add to their record-extending 10th EFL Cup title.
West Ham Struggling to Regain Form | Away Win = 7.28
West Ham, on the other hand, are on a three-match winless streak, having recorded just one victory in their last five fixtures across all competitions. Their most recent outing saw them fall 3-0 to Chelsea, a performance that highlighted their defensive frailties.
The Hammers’ only positive result came in the second round of the EFL Cup when Jarrod Bowen’s late goal secured a narrow win over Bournemouth. However, their poor record against Liverpool, with just one win in their last 17 meetings, adds to their challenge.
Key Players & Team News:
Liverpool will be without Harvey Elliott, who remains side-lined with a foot injury, while Alisson’s availability is in doubt due to a muscle issue. Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to start in goal, with new signing Federico Chiesa likely to make his first appearance for the Reds.
For West Ham, Niclas Fullkrug’s injury could see Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus leading the line. Lukasz Fabianski is also set to replace Alphonse Areola in goal as the Hammers aim to avoid a repeat of last season’s 5-1 EFL Cup quarter-final drubbing at Anfield.
Match Stats & Betting Odds| Draw = 5.09
Liverpool have won five of their last six games, scoring 12 goals and conceding just two in all competitions. | Specials Market: 1x2 & O/U 2.5 (Home & Over 2.5) = 1.80
West Ham, having netted in (4) of their last (5) games, are unbeaten in their last two away games winning one and drawing the other. | Main Market: GG/NG (Yes) = 1.76
Liverpool and West Ham have played over 2.5 goals in four (4) of their last five (5) meetings (2-2, 3-1, 1-2), with six goals happening in their last EFL Cup encounter in 2023 (5-1). | Main Market: Over 3.5 = 2.27
You can follow and bet on the EFL Cup game, Liverpool vs West Ham, on MSport here.
_large.jpg)
