West Ham United ace Vladimir Coufal shares what they need to do to beat Liverpool
West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal has shared what he thinks his side will need to do in their efforts to beat Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday (24 September).
The Czech Republic international claimed his side will give themselves the best chance of winning if they can score the first goal, something he notes other teams have been able to do so far this season.
He also revealed their intentions to be competitive both domestically and in Europe and claimed they will prepare for every game they play in the same way, which will benefit the understanding of the team.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website ahead of the clash on 24 September, Coufal said: “We prepare for every game in the same way. We are 100 per cent concentrated for both competitions, at home and in Europe.
“Obviously we know Liverpool will be a much tougher opponent but the preparation is still the same.
“Teams have been ahead of them this season, but they have lost. It is important to score the first goal and it is a big advantage, but they have shown they are a very big team again with big character and quality to turn the game.
“We have to be focused in every single minute and do our best, and we will see what happens.”
A tricky task – but not impossible
West Ham have already shown so far this season that they are more than capable of turning in surprise performances and results against sides they may not have been the favourites to beat. Victories against Brighton and Chelsea stand out, and they will be looking to pull off another here.
Their efficiency from set-pieces could prove vital again, with James Ward-Prowse the shining star of the season so far, having picked up two more assists to his total in the Europa League victory on Thursday as West Ham continue to show their strengths.
Coufal is right, Liverpool have been getable this season. Their firepower going forward is the strong point, but in defence, they haven’t looked as strong as they once did, and that may be the focus for the Hammers.
If, as they did against Brighton, they are able to contain the attack with the view to hit on the break, another excellent result could well be on the cards for David Moyes’ men, and Coufal’s comments show they know they can achieve it.
In other West Ham news, Darren Bent made a prediction for the Hammers live on talkSPORT.