Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has backed the Reds to capitalise on Chelsea’s shock draw at home to Burnley.
Having thrown away a two-goal lead last weekend against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s side bounced back in style with a 2-0 win against Atletico Madrid in midweek.
That victory ensured qualification to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League with two games to space.
Now attention will turn to Premier League action and a difficult trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham.
Writing in his BBC Sport prediction column, Lawrenson tipped Klopp’s side to prevail in east London.
There will be a great atmosphere at London Stadium because West Ham are doing so well and one of the big teams are in town. I think Liverpool will ruin the party, though. Jurgen Klopp’s side were very impressive against Atletico Madrid in midweek and, in terms of keeping the Hammers out, van Dijk and Joel Matip will have the answers Klopp needs against Michail Antonio.
Lawrenson picked a 2-1 victory for a Liverpool side who will be without James Milner, Curtis Jones, Naby Keita, Joe Gomez and Roberto Firmino for the clash, whilst Harvey Elliott remains a long-term absentee.
Klopp will however welcome back Thiago and Fabinho into the domestic fold having made successful returns in Europe.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
This is a huge test of the Reds’ title credentials once again.
West Ham continue to improve under Moyes and present a genuine threat to an outstanding unbeaten record.
Liverpool should be buoyed by table-toppers Chelsea dropping points yesterday and a victory here would leave Klopp’s men just one point adrift over the international break.
