Liverpool will be looking to return to their dominant best when they play host to West Ham United on Matchday 15 of the Barclays Premier League. A repeat of the result in last season’s corresponding fixture would suit the Anfield club just fine, but they will be missing a crucial contributor.
Fernando Torres was the name being bellowed by the Kop when these two teams last met on Merseyside, and with good reason. The Spanish striker, in the midst of an astonishing debut term in England, put on what remains one of his most impressive displays in a red shirt – be it for Liverpool or La Furia Roja. He combined stunningly with Steven Gerrard all evening and scored a beautifully taken hat-trick as the Reds romped to a 4-0 victory.
But while the skipper is back in action after an injury lay-off, Torres will sit out having suffered a reoccurrence of the hamstring problem which has plagued him all year. The 24-year-old had just made his way back from a three-week spell on the sidelines, and this latest setback is both frustrating and worrying for manager Rafael Benitez. The last thing Liverpool need is for their new idol to turn into another Harry Kewell, after all.
However, El Niño’s absence could be a blessing in disguise, as it has proven to be at times during the early part of the campaign. Whereas the team relied heavily on Torres and Gerrard to haul them out of trouble last season, the rest of the squad has stepped up during their stints on the treatment table. Xabi Alonso has firmly re-established himself at the heart of midfield, while Dirk Kuyt has vindicated Benitez’s persistence with him by scoring crucial goals and making a right nuisance of himself whether on the flank or up front.
Javier Mascherano is another hard-working player at Rafa’s disposal, and one who has become a central figure since his controversial move from West Ham in 2007. But the Argentine battler stressed during the week that he will have not the slightest pang of guilt as he sets about dispatching his former club.
"I don't feel anything for West Ham," he said. "It's nothing in my life because I couldn't play when I was there. They are just another team in the Premier League. "
Mascherano’s team-mates should strive for a similarly ruthless mindset, as they now have the chance to claim the outright lead in the league after Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal. The Hammers aren’t pushovers, but their form on the road is less than encouraging.
West Ham’s 1-0 win at Sunderland last Sunday raised their away tally to seven points from as many games – a decidedly disappointing stat which has played a big part in their tumultuous start to the season.
Apart from coughing up points whenever they set foot outside Upton Park, the Irons have also lost a manager, a shirt sponsor and a hell of a lot of money during the first few months of the 2008-09 campaign. That situation could become catastrophic if they lose their legal battle with Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez saga, as the Blades are demanding over €30 million in damages.
Things began to look up when Gianfranco Zola was appointed to take over the reins after Alan Curbishley’s controversial departure in August. A 4-1 drubbing of Blackburn Rovers was as good start as the Italian could have hoped for, but six defeats in the 11 games since have left the Londoners lying just two points above the drop zone in 15th place.
West Ham hard for their win at the Stadium of Light, and they will no doubt bring a similar level of endeavour to Liverpool. But the men from Green Street will have their work cut out as they seek to overturn a simply abominable record at Anfield. They have tasted defeat on their last seven visits to the Kop, their last point coming in 1999 when Frank Lampard and Marc Keller helped them to a 2-2 draw. Their last win was in 1963.
Zola and his charges would no doubt be happy to hop on the coach home on Monday evening with a point in their pockets. A draw would not only help the Hammers inch further from the bottom three, but it would also put pressure on Rafa Benitez after their goalless draw with the Cottagers last weekend.
FORM GUIDE
Liverpool
Nov 26 Liverpool 1-0 Marseille (CL)
Nov 22 Liverpool 0-0 Fulham (PL)
Nov 15 Bolton 0-2 Liverpool (PL)
Nov 12 Tottenham 4-2 Liverpool (CC)
Nov 08 Liverpool 3-0 West Brom (PL)
West Ham
Nov 23 Sunderland 0-1 West Ham (PL)
Nov 15 West Ham 0-0 Portsmouth (PL)
Nov 08 West Ham 1-3 Everton (PL)
Nov 01 Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham (PL)
Oct 29 Manchester United 2-0 West Ham (PL)
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool
Fernando Torres misses out, while Steven Gerrard returned against Marseille after missing the Fulham game with a groin problem. Dirk Kuyt could move up front, while Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel and youngster David N’Gog are also options.
It will surprise no-one that Fabio Aurelio is injured, meaning under-fire Italian defender Andrea Dossena should come in at left-back.
Possible XI: Reina – Dossena, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa – Mascherano, Alonso – Reira, Gerrard, Kuyt – Keane
West Ham
While Dean Ashton and Danny Gabbidon remain long-term absentees, the Hammers have been buoyed by several players returning to training. Mark Noble and Jonathan Spector are on the comeback trail, but neither is likely to feature on Monday. Kieron Dyer is also nearing a return to action after breaking his leg early last season.
Scott Parker was laid up with a virus during the week, but he is expected to line up in midfield as per usual.
David Di Michele and Luis Boa Morte starred in a reserves win over Portsmouth on Tuesday and could be called up for the trip to the North West.
Possible XI: Green – Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga – Faubert, Parker, Mullins, Bowyer, Behrami – Cole
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool
The captain, the match winner, Steven Gerrard. Liverpool’s favourite son stepped up to the plate on his return to action to steer his side to victory against Marseille, his first-half header proving the difference. The 28-year-old ran riot in the corresponding clash last term, and he is well capable of dishing out an encore performance.
West Ham
If Liverpool click, it could be a busy night for Hammers ‘keeper Robert Green. The former Norwich City player hasn’t kept too many clean sheets this season, but his marvellous shot-stopping has saved his side on more than a few occasions. Unlucky to be overlooked for England selection recently.
Fernando Torres was the name being bellowed by the Kop when these two teams last met on Merseyside, and with good reason. The Spanish striker, in the midst of an astonishing debut term in England, put on what remains one of his most impressive displays in a red shirt – be it for Liverpool or La Furia Roja. He combined stunningly with Steven Gerrard all evening and scored a beautifully taken hat-trick as the Reds romped to a 4-0 victory.
But while the skipper is back in action after an injury lay-off, Torres will sit out having suffered a reoccurrence of the hamstring problem which has plagued him all year. The 24-year-old had just made his way back from a three-week spell on the sidelines, and this latest setback is both frustrating and worrying for manager Rafael Benitez. The last thing Liverpool need is for their new idol to turn into another Harry Kewell, after all.
However, El Niño’s absence could be a blessing in disguise, as it has proven to be at times during the early part of the campaign. Whereas the team relied heavily on Torres and Gerrard to haul them out of trouble last season, the rest of the squad has stepped up during their stints on the treatment table. Xabi Alonso has firmly re-established himself at the heart of midfield, while Dirk Kuyt has vindicated Benitez’s persistence with him by scoring crucial goals and making a right nuisance of himself whether on the flank or up front.
Javier Mascherano is another hard-working player at Rafa’s disposal, and one who has become a central figure since his controversial move from West Ham in 2007. But the Argentine battler stressed during the week that he will have not the slightest pang of guilt as he sets about dispatching his former club.
"I don't feel anything for West Ham," he said. "It's nothing in my life because I couldn't play when I was there. They are just another team in the Premier League. "
Mascherano’s team-mates should strive for a similarly ruthless mindset, as they now have the chance to claim the outright lead in the league after Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal. The Hammers aren’t pushovers, but their form on the road is less than encouraging.
West Ham’s 1-0 win at Sunderland last Sunday raised their away tally to seven points from as many games – a decidedly disappointing stat which has played a big part in their tumultuous start to the season.
Apart from coughing up points whenever they set foot outside Upton Park, the Irons have also lost a manager, a shirt sponsor and a hell of a lot of money during the first few months of the 2008-09 campaign. That situation could become catastrophic if they lose their legal battle with Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez saga, as the Blades are demanding over €30 million in damages.
Things began to look up when Gianfranco Zola was appointed to take over the reins after Alan Curbishley’s controversial departure in August. A 4-1 drubbing of Blackburn Rovers was as good start as the Italian could have hoped for, but six defeats in the 11 games since have left the Londoners lying just two points above the drop zone in 15th place.
West Ham hard for their win at the Stadium of Light, and they will no doubt bring a similar level of endeavour to Liverpool. But the men from Green Street will have their work cut out as they seek to overturn a simply abominable record at Anfield. They have tasted defeat on their last seven visits to the Kop, their last point coming in 1999 when Frank Lampard and Marc Keller helped them to a 2-2 draw. Their last win was in 1963.
Zola and his charges would no doubt be happy to hop on the coach home on Monday evening with a point in their pockets. A draw would not only help the Hammers inch further from the bottom three, but it would also put pressure on Rafa Benitez after their goalless draw with the Cottagers last weekend.
FORM GUIDE
Liverpool
Nov 26 Liverpool 1-0 Marseille (CL)
Nov 22 Liverpool 0-0 Fulham (PL)
Nov 15 Bolton 0-2 Liverpool (PL)
Nov 12 Tottenham 4-2 Liverpool (CC)
Nov 08 Liverpool 3-0 West Brom (PL)
West Ham
Nov 23 Sunderland 0-1 West Ham (PL)
Nov 15 West Ham 0-0 Portsmouth (PL)
Nov 08 West Ham 1-3 Everton (PL)
Nov 01 Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham (PL)
Oct 29 Manchester United 2-0 West Ham (PL)
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool
Fernando Torres misses out, while Steven Gerrard returned against Marseille after missing the Fulham game with a groin problem. Dirk Kuyt could move up front, while Robbie Keane, Ryan Babel and youngster David N’Gog are also options.
It will surprise no-one that Fabio Aurelio is injured, meaning under-fire Italian defender Andrea Dossena should come in at left-back.
Possible XI: Reina – Dossena, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa – Mascherano, Alonso – Reira, Gerrard, Kuyt – Keane
West Ham
While Dean Ashton and Danny Gabbidon remain long-term absentees, the Hammers have been buoyed by several players returning to training. Mark Noble and Jonathan Spector are on the comeback trail, but neither is likely to feature on Monday. Kieron Dyer is also nearing a return to action after breaking his leg early last season.
Scott Parker was laid up with a virus during the week, but he is expected to line up in midfield as per usual.
David Di Michele and Luis Boa Morte starred in a reserves win over Portsmouth on Tuesday and could be called up for the trip to the North West.
Possible XI: Green – Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga – Faubert, Parker, Mullins, Bowyer, Behrami – Cole
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool
The captain, the match winner, Steven Gerrard. Liverpool’s favourite son stepped up to the plate on his return to action to steer his side to victory against Marseille, his first-half header proving the difference. The 28-year-old ran riot in the corresponding clash last term, and he is well capable of dishing out an encore performance.
West Ham
If Liverpool click, it could be a busy night for Hammers ‘keeper Robert Green. The former Norwich City player hasn’t kept too many clean sheets this season, but his marvellous shot-stopping has saved his side on more than a few occasions. Unlucky to be overlooked for England selection recently.
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