Liverpool will look to welcome in the new year with a third straight Premier League victory, as they travel to play West Ham United in Saturday's early kickoff. Jürgen Klopp's side had hit a rather rocky patch after a bright start under the former Borussia Dortmund coach, though consecutive wins over Leicester City and Sunderland have them within five points of a Champions League spot. They still have a lot to play for this season.
Liverpool vs. West Ham 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Premier League weekend kicks off with West Ham United hosting Liverpool at Upton Park.
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As for West Ham, they too had appeared to hit a poor run of form after impressing early on in the season, though Slaven Bilić's men put an end to their run of five straight draws by beating Southampton 2-1 in their last match. They've certainly got a talented squad, and with a few of their important first-team players looking set for a return from injury layoffs, they should give Liverpool a very good game. These sides are separated by only a point in the table; it's really too difficult to call.
Key player: Manuel Lanzini (West Ham)
West Ham's capture of Argentine starlet Manuel Lanzini from Emirati club Al-Jazira has been one of the signings of the season. Against the odds the diminutive 22-year-old has been able to establish himself in a physical Hammers side, adding a flair and goalscoring touch to an otherwise workmanlike midfield. Liverpool's anchormen can't afford him any room in which to work on Saturday, or they could pay a heavy price.
Recent history
West Ham have won two of the last three meetings between these sides, including a dramatic 3-0 win at Anfield back in August. However, Liverpool had won three of the four prior to the Hammers’ victory in their last meeting at Upton Park in September 2014, with contests between these sides having typically been rather close encounters. There’s no reason to think the latest edition will be any different.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Diafra Sakho (thigh); Victor Moses, Winston Reid (hamstring). In doubt: Aaron Cresswell (muscular); Nikica Jelavić (knee); Dimitri Payet (ankle)
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Jon Flanagan, Joe Gomez, Danny Ings (knee); Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Rossiter, Martin Škrtel, Divock Origi (hamstring); James Milner (calf). In doubt: None.
West Ham will still be without first-team defender Reid, as well as attackers Sakho and Moses. However, they’ll be boosted by the likely return of summer signing Payet, who played a key role in their excellent start to the season. Full-back Cresswell and striker Jelavić could also make their returns to the starting lineup.
Liverpool still have several players sidelined with long-term problems, with the most significant of them being regular first-teamers Sturridge, Škrtel and Milner.
Match date/time: Sat., Jan. 2, 7:45 a.m. ET, 12:45 p.m. local
Venue: Upton Park, London, England
TV: NBCSN (US); Sportsnet regional networks (Canada); BT Sport 1 (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); BT Sport Live Streaming (UK)
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