Liverpool had a grand chance to open up another three-game lead on Manchester City in their race for the Premier League title last week. The Citizens were stunned by Newcastle United on Tuesday, so a win over Leicester City on Wednesday would have put Liverpool seven points ahead of City in their bid to win the Premier League for the first time in their history. Things started off fine with a Sadio Mane goal in the third minute, but some defensive hiccups allowed Leicester City to level and the game ended in a draw. The Reds are still five points up on City coming into Monday’s match with West Ham United, but they may really come to rue the missed opportunity.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from the Olympic Stadium in London, England at 3 p.m. ET on Monday, February 4, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
West Ham United +637
Liverpool -269
Draw +409
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
West Ham enter this match on a three-game losing streak in all competitions. The Hammers have been shut out and lost by multiple goals to both Bournemouth and Wolverhampton in league play, and they were stunned by lowly AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup too. The club is hoping that a return home will stop the streak. West Ham beat Arsenal in their last home game back in early January, and they are 5-2-5 at home this year.
After putting their foot on the accelerator throughout the month of December, Liverpool are once again struggling with their opponents in 2019. The Reds are 2-1-2 in all competitions this month, and they have yet to cover a spread on the goal line. Liverpool lost to Manchester City and Wolverhampton (in FA Cup action) at the start of the month, and they beat both Brighton and Crystal Place by just one goal apiece.
Key Injuries
The Hammers are in a bad way in terms of injuries. Andriy Yarmolenko and Carlos Sanchez are both long-term injuries that are not expected to be back until late April, if at all this season. To make matters worse, Winston Reid, Fabian Balbuena, and Manuel Lanzini are all going to be sidelined for another month due to injury too. Jack Wilshere will miss at least this match and star forward Marko Arnautovic is doubtful. Lucas Perez, Samir Nasri, and Aaron Creswell are all questionable, and Lukasz Fabianski is probable.
Meanwhile, Liverpool has stayed largely injury free. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continues to be out, but Joe Gomez is only expected to miss another couple weeks with a foot injury. Trent Alexander-Arnold could return for this match, yet he is listed as doubtful.
Player to Watch
Georgino Wijnaldum is often overlooked on Liverpool’s star-studded team. He doesn’t score a ton of goals, and you don’t see many highlight reel plays involving the Dutch national. However, Liverpool certainly missed him during his absence. Wijnaldum was all over the pitch against Leicester City on Wednesday, and he was one of the few bright spots in the draw. He could have another very nice day with West Ham’s injury situation.
Previous Meeting
It was all Liverpool when these teams met at the start of the season. The Reds jumped on West Ham early with a Mo Salah goal in the 19th minute and Sadio Mane made it a laugher with a brace within 10 minutes of the second half start in an eventual 4-0 win.
Prop Bet – Liverpool to win both halves +186
Although Liverpool have not played up to their high standards in recent weeks, West Ham are in disarray because of their injuries. I see the Reds scoring early and putting this one out of reach in the second half.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Liverpool will get the three points here, and I will call for them to cover the spread.
English Premier League Odds: Liverpool 3, West Ham United 0
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