Liverpool had its moment atop the Premier League at the outset of December, and though it doesn't hold that spot any longer, Jurgen Klopp can still be satisfied for sure that his team is legitimately going to have a shot this season at what has suddenly become an elusive title for the Reds. West Ham should theoretically provide nothing more than a bump in the road, especially in a match being played at Anfield.
Don't miss the Barclays Premier League action from Anfield at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC Sports Network.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool -300
West Ham +825
Draw +450
Over/Under 3.5
Odds Analysis
Liverpool is a massive favorite here against a team fighting against relegation. The Reds are -300 favorites on the moneyline, translating to -1.5 on the Asian Handicap. Asking a team to win by multiple goals is always a tricky proposition in the Premier League, but it's hard to say that Liverpool hasn't earned that distinction.
The total has to be a lot higher because of the spread for sure, but it's the West Ham defense that is the real reason for this number. The Hammers are conceding over two goals per game, and Liverpool's offense is top of the league with 35 goals in 14 matches. It's hard to make an argument for the Reds not scoring at least twice, especially since they're averaging over three goals per game at home in this term.
Key Injuries
Bodies are dropping like flies for Slaven Bilic, and of all things, it was the EFL Cup that caused more damage. Aaron Creswell and Michail Antonio are the latest injury woes for the Hammers. James Collins then turned around and limped off the field against Arsenal last weekend, though at least he has a shot to return to the field this weekend. Reece Oxford, Diafra Sakho and Gokhan Tore are all out of the fold still as well with long-term injuries.
Sadio Mane was taken off against Bournemouth last weekend, but Klopp has suggested that one of his top stars should ultimately be good to go this weekend in spite of his injury designation. The news isn't as good on Daniel Sturridge, who will likely sit out a third straight EPL match thanks to a calf injury. Philippe Coutinho's ankle injury remains a problem, as he will be out until approximately the turn of the new year.
Recent Form
To say that West Ham's form has been suspect right now would be an understatement. The biggest disappointment came in the form of a 5-1 loss to Arsenal at home. You just flat out never want to lose to your crosstown rival, especially in blowout fashion, and that has to be demoralizing to a fan base that is starting to wonder if relegation is a legitimate option for 2017.
Liverpool had gone three straight matches without allowing a goal, and for a good long while, it looked as though Bournemouth wasn't going to score against the Reds either. But the Premier League is a funny place, and sometimes, you're going to play in a wild one where bounces just flat out don't go your way. The Cherries pulled off a thrilling 4-3 victory at home for their first ever win against Liverpool in club history.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
In general, we give Klopp the benefit of the doubt. He's one of the best managers on the planet, and if there's a man who can get his team to come back from a dreadful loss in shocking fashion, he's the one. But are we excited to lay a goal and a half on the Asian Handicap, even at home against West Ham? We're not.
The Hammers have at least started to find the back of the net again, and if they can do it once in this one, we think they can park the bus for long enough to at least get a cover from this one. There will be too much offense and too much forward-thinking for Liverpool to be held, though.
Barclays Premier League Odds: Liverpool 2, West Ham 1
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