Dalglish’s Liverpool set to visit Under-Pressure West Ham
- By A.D. Winn on February 26, 2011 18:11 GMT
Liverpool return to domestic action this weekend to face a West Ham side rock-bottom of the Premier League table with just 11 games remaining.
Sixth-placed Liverpool, who had last weekend off in-between fixtures in the Europa League, head to a ground where they have won and scored three goals in their last two visits. There are still doubts over the fitness of club Captain Steven Gerrard and striker Andy Carroll, whilst Martin Kelly and Daniel Agger are also doubtful after picking up knocks in Thursday’s match against Sparta Prague.
With a tough run-in of fixtures ahead for both teams, managers Kenny Dalglish and Avram Grant will be hoping no further injury worries as both prepare to end a rather below-par season on a high note.
The Hammers, who were outclassed by an average Liverpool side earlier in the season, have a mini-injury crisis of their own: on-loan forward Robbie Keane is out with a calf injury, Matthew Upson has an Achilles complaint, whilst other squad members Dyer, Obinha, Stanislas and Collison are all ruled out.
Grant will, however be boosted by the first league appearance of Thomas Hitzlsperger, who scored a memorable goal on his club debut in Monday's FA Cup 5-1 victory over Burnley. The German made 99 appearances for Aston Villa in the Premier League between 2001 and 2005.
Despite having only lost one of their last five matches, The London club have only been victorious in one of their last six league matches, form which underlines why they currently have the worst home record in the Premier League.
European football qualification is the goal for Liverpool interim boss Kenny Dalglish, who will welcome back Luis Suarez after being cup-tied for both midweek games.
Form
All Competitions:
West Ham: WWLDW (14 goals for, 8 against)
Liverpool: WWDDW (5 goals for, 1 against)
Premier League:
West Ham: LDWLD (8 goals for, 10 against)
Liverpool: WWWWD (8 goals for, 1 against)
Premier League 09/10:
West Ham 2-3 Liverpool
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham
Premier League 10/11:
Liverpool 3-0 West Ham
