Chris Sutton predicts result of West Ham United v Liverpool Premier League clash
Chris Sutton has predicted the result of the Premier League clash between West Ham United and Liverpool on Saturday 27 April.
The Hammers are looking to bounce back from a 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace last time out, while Liverpool will be keen to get back to winning ways following a derby day defeat to Everton in midweek.
And while making his weekly predictions for BBC Sport (26 April), the pundit and former Chelsea striker admitted that Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of a title in his final season mean they’re likely to get the win at the London Stadium.
“Earlier this month, when Liverpool lost to Crystal Palace on the same day Arsenal were beaten by Aston Villa, it was Grand National weekend and I made an analogy about how both of them had hit the third-last fence hard, but could both still recover,” he said.
“Well, Arsenal have responded really well to get their noses in front, but Liverpool stumbled badly again against Everton and, to continue the horse-racing theme, their only hope now is to hope that the Gunners and Manchester City both fall at the last.
“I don’t see that happening but Liverpool have just got to look after themselves now and try to beat West Ham.
“Who knows what kind of Hammers performance we are going to get after all the noise around the talks they have had with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim this week.
“So, how do I call this when we don’t know what the mood in their camp will be like? It’s also hard to back Liverpool, because Mohamed Salah is out of form and Darwin Nunez’s finishing has been so terrible.
“I have a feeling the Reds will edge it but, like I say, they are out of the title race now anyway. West Ham 1-2 Liverpool.”
West Ham United still playing for European football
There is a lot of talk about Liverpool’s title charge being derailed by Everton in midweek, and how them winning this game would put them back on track potentially.
But most people seem to be ignoring the fact that David Moyes’ side are still pushing to earn European football for a fourth consecutive season, and they need to win to keep that dream alive.
The expectation is that Moyes will be leaving the club at the end of the season, and the players will surely want to see him leave on a high as it will help the team greatly.
Lunchtime fixtures are never easy for the players, but the fans will likely be well up for it and know that with a bit of extra support, the visitors could easily crumble just as they did in midweek.
It won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination, but there is a scenario where the Hammers perform well and pick up the victory to keep their own season alive.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes has shared an update on the fitness of Jarrod Bowen ahead of the clash with Liverpool.
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