Liverpool have made a pretty unspectacular start to the season, with last weekend's shock defeat to Aston Villa leaving Brendan Rodgers' side on six points from their opening four games. They should, however, make that nine from five on Saturday, as they travel to face a West Ham United side that doesn't really convince. They've picked up four points thus far, with their summer efforts to spice up their football yet to pay dividends.
West Ham United vs. Liverpool live stream: How to watch the EPL online, TV schedule and more
Liverpool should bounce back from last week’s defeat to Aston Villa with a win away at West Ham on Saturday.
Alex Livesey
Key player - Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
With Mario Balotelli yet to settle in, and Daniel Sturridge sidelined through injury, Liverpool's most dangerous player so far this season has been Raheem Sterling. The attacker has excelled in a free role in Rodgers' system, and has picked up a couple of league goals already. Keeping him quiet could well prove to be West Ham's biggest defensive challenge.
Key matchup - Stewart Downing vs. Alberto Moreno
Liverpool summer signing Alberto Moreno is still very rough around the edges. The attack-minded left-back has been a persistent pain for opponents with his incessant forward runs, though his defensive play has been rather more questionable. Against West Ham winger Stewart Downing -- arguably the Hammers’ most important player at present -- he’ll have to be more solid, and stop the former Liverpool man delivering accurate crosses into the box.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Joey O'Brien (knee), Andy Carroll (ankle), Kevin Nolan (shoulder). In doubt: Matt Jarvis (thigh).
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Emre Can (ankle), Glen Johnson (thigh), Jon Flanagan, Joe Allen (knee). In doubt: Martin Škrtel (knee), Daniel Sturridge (thigh).
West Ham will still be without defender Joey O’Brien and forwards Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan, though winger Matt Jarvis could make his return from a thigh problem. Liverpool, meanwhile, are still without full-backs Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan, and midfielders Emre Can and Joe Allen. However, there is still the chance that defender Martin Škrtel and forward Daniel Sturridge could shake off their injury problems in time to play.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Upton Park, London, England
TV: NBC, Mun2 (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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