Liverpool vs West Ham: EFL Cup Title Holders Begin Title Defence against Hammers

Liverpool vs West Ham: EFL Cup Title Holders Begin Title Defence against Hammers

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 Players Team Photo Line-up

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 Players Celebrating Goal

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.

Liverpool's Home Ground - Anfield

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.

Liverpool Manager, Arne Slot & Lopetegui, West Ham Coach

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

Liverpool vs West Ham - EFL Cup

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Manchester United vs FC Twente: Erik ten Hag Faces Former Side in UEFA Europa League Opener

Manchester United vs FC Twente: Erik ten Hag Faces Former Side in UEFA Europa League Opener

Manchester United begin their UEFA Europa League campaign on Wednesday night with a home clash against FC Twente, marking the first meeting between the two clubs, in what will see their manager, Erik ten Hag, face the very first club he started as a manager, FC Twente’s junior side.

The Red Devils have been inconsistent this season, with three wins, three losses (one on penalties), and a draw across their last seven matches.

Erik ten Hag’s side, however, will aim to build on their impressive home form, having lost just one of their last 24 Europa League fixtures at Old Trafford.

Man United Aim for Strong Start in Europa League | Home Win = 1.33

Man United Players Celebrating Goal

Despite their less-than-impressive start to the 2024/2025 season, United find themselves experiencing one of their best defensive spells this season with three consecutive clean sheets in their last three games in all competitions and will look to continue in that vein against the Dutch.

However, with recent European campaigns not going exactly according to plan, ten Hag and his Red Devils will be wary of the potential pitfalls that could and could be a European football match, especially one with personal history like the one Ten Hag has with FC Twente.

FC Twente Players Celebrating Goal

Twente Target Upset in European Return | Away Win = 9.04

FC Twente enters this fixture with momentum, having secured consecutive league wins over Heerenveen and Almere City, scoring seven goals in the process and conceding none. 

The Dutch side, fourth in the Eredivisie, is participating in their first European campaign since 2013 and aims to overcome their seven-game winless streak in the Europa League.

Head coach Joseph Oosting’s squad, led by in-form Sem Steijn and striker Sam Lammers, will be determined to challenge United on a stage they haven't reached in over a decade.

Old Trafford - Home of Manchester United & Venue for the Game

Key Players & Team News:

United could see Harry Maguire reintroduced in defence, while Rashford, Garnacho, and Antony are expected to provide offensive firepower. Injuries to summer signing Leny Yoro and defensive regulars continue to pose selection challenges for Ten Hag.

Twente will rely on Steijn’s attacking prowess and the defensive solidity of Bart van Rooij to counter United’s threats. The absence of Michal Sadilek due to a leg injury is a significant blow to Twente’s midfield balance.

Match Stats & Betting Odds| Draw = 5.94

Ten Hag, Man United Boss & Joseph, FC Twente Boss

Manchester United has a favourable record against Dutch teams at home, losing just one of nine previous encounters.| Specials Market: Home & Over 3.5 = 2.55

Twente, on the other hand, who have scored in all their last five (5) games in all competitions, will look to defy the odds, with their last win against English opposition dating back to 2011. |Main Market: GG/NG (Yes) = 1.86

There have been four (4) over 2.5 goals in Man United’s last 5 matches in all comps, while there have been three (3) over 2.5 goals in Twente’s last 5 games in all competitions. | Main Market: Over 3.5 = 2.29

Manchester United vs FC Twente - UEFA Europa League

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Inter Milan vs AC Milan: Inter Seek Seventh Straight Win in the Derby della Madonnina

Inter Milan vs AC Milan: Inter Seek Seventh Straight Win in the Derby della Madonnina

The Derby della Madonnina is set for Sunday as Serie A champions Inter Milan clash with AC Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza.

 Inter, unbeaten this season, sit third in the standings, while Milan, languishing in 10th, are already feeling the pressure of their poor start.

Inter Aim to Continue Derby Dominance | Home Win = 1.69

Inter Milan have dominated recent derbies, winning their last six meetings against AC Milan across all competitions with an aggregate score-line of 14-2. They are unbeaten in Serie A this season, although a 1-1 draw against Monza last week was disappointing.

Inter Milan Players Celebrating Goal

Lautaro Martinez, yet to score this season, returns to the starting lineup and will be key alongside Marcus Thuram, who has six goal involvements in four league games.

Milan Look to End Winless Derby Run | Away Win = 5.00

AC Milan enter the derby in poor form, having won just one of their opening five matches and sitting in 10th place. Despite a 4-0 victory over Venezia, pressure mounts on coach Paulo Fonseca, whose position is already under scrutiny.

Milan’s attack, likely led by Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, must perform to end their winless run against Inter, with Leao historically effective in derby games.

AC Milan Players Celebrating Goal

Key Players & Team News:

Inter will be bolstered by the return of Federico Dimarco from injury, while Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram will lead the attack.

Milan face a goalkeeping crisis with both Mike Maignan and Marco Sportiello out, leaving teenager Lorenzo Torriani potentially starting. Fonseca’s team will miss Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi due to injuries, further complicating their plans.

Match Stats & Betting Odds| Draw = 4.18

Inter have won nine of their last 14 Serie A meetings with Milan, with their attack averaging over two goals per game in this fixture. | Main Market: = Home (1x2 - Early Pay-out) = 1.66

Inter Milan vs AC Milan -Serie A

Milan’s last win in the derby came in 2022, and with them scoring in each of the3ir last five games in all competitions they would hope they can outscore their city rivals. | Main Market: GG (No) = 1.69 

Inter have seen two of their last five games end in over 2.5 goals while Milan have seen all their last five games end with over 2.5 goals. The last two meetings between the two teams also saw over 2.5 goals (1-2, 5-1) | Specials Market: Home & Over 1.5 = 1.87



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