West Ham vs Liverpool - Premier League (18/19 - Game 25)

[Pippo]

Matip hesitated before realising that Maguire was running onto the ball. Not sure if it looks worse in slow motion but it didn't look good.

It was clearly Van Dijks man though, he let him go. It’s unfair to blame Matip for not getting there.

[baitman]

---------------Becker
Actual RB--Matip--VVD--Robertson
---------------Fabinho
------Henderson------Gini
----Salah------Firmino----Mane

Actual

[Fosterbloke]

It was clearly Van Dijks man though, he let him go. It’s unfair to blame Matip for not getting there.

Like I said, it looked worse in slow motion.

[Nicey]

People need to cut the team some slack, they have a record number of points, have just come through a manic Christmas fixture list not only still in the hunt, but have overtaken the best team in the Universe tm by the tune of 5 points, whilst dealing with an actual injury crisis ... our entire back line practically injured, now our mid field picking up knocks etc and we have not only maintained pace but stretched our lead.

I am looking forward to West Ham, should be a cracking game, hopefully, the squad will be in better shape. Also I have a feeling both Arsenal and Chelsea could do something against City

[The_weatherman]

People need to cut the team some slack, they have a record number of points, have just come through a manic Christmas fixture list not only still in the hunt, but have overtaken the best team in the Universe tm by the tune of 5 points, whilst dealing with an actual injury crisis ... our entire back line practically injured, now our mid field picking up knocks etc and we have not only maintained pace but stretched our lead.

I am looking forward to West Ham, should be a cracking game, hopefully, the squad will be in better shape. Also I have a feeling both Arsenal and Chelsea could do something against City

Agree, we can't fault the team really. I think we might take one or two games now to find out rhythm back.

Alisson
TAA - Matip - VVD - Robertson
Gini - Fabinho - Shaq
Salah - Firmino - Mane

Throw Keita on for some minutes but don't start him. Fabinho is starting to feel like a core player.

[Fosterbloke]

We're just nervous as we have the best chance at winning the league with a genuinely brilliant team for the first time in a decade.

[SB]

We're just nervous as we have the best chance at winning the league with a genuinely brilliant team for the first time in a decade.

100% this. We’ve got to keep our nerve & keep playing like we have all season. Unleash the dogs.

[Yozza]

Arnautovic could play against Liverpool

First up this afternoon is West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini who says striker Marko Arnautovic could still feature in Monday's game against Premier League leaders Liverpool

The Austrian suffered a foot injury against Wolves in midweek but it appears he has just suffered bruising and may yet be fit.

"We are not sure about Marko," said Pellegrini in his news conference. "We need to see the development and the pain in his foot. We have 72 hours more to see if he will be able to play.

"It's more a question for the doctor. We will see on Saturday and if he can kick the ball."


'We need to play Liverpool at a high pace'

After three defeats in a row, next up for the Hammers is the visit of Premier League leaders Liverpool and Pellegrini knows his side will have to be in top form.

"Of course we can beat Liverpool because every team can win every match in the Premier League," he says.

"We want to beat Liverpool. We cannot play on nerves because they have top players who can change the game at any time.

"We need to play at high pace like we did at home to Arsenal and Manchester United and other clubs."

[Yozza]

'I never celebrate when another team drops points' - Klopp

Earlier (see 13:45), Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked about Kyle Walker's now deleted tweet after the draw between Liverpool and Leicester

And Klopp was also asked about his thoughts on the matter.

“I never celebrate that another team dropped points or lost a game," said the German.

"For me, that's not allowed. I never asked to clear one side of the pitch and not the other. That's not how I understand sport."


Mixed injury news for Liverpool

Injury news from Jurgen Klopp who is hopeful defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to full training next week.

He has missed Liverpool’s last two outings against Crystal Palace and Leicester City after sustaining a knee injury at Brighton & Hove Albion on 12 January.

However, Joe Gomez is still not yet ready to return to full training as he continues his recovery from a lower leg fracture.


'Not enough manpower to clear the pitch' - Klopp

Next up, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who has addressed the issues around the condition of the Anfield pitch in Wednesday's snowy 1-1 draw against Leicester.

At half-time, Liverpool groundstaff only cleared snow in the half of the pitch towards the Kop, the end the Reds were set to attack, leading to accusations of gamesmanship and Klopp has denied that was the case

"Our groundstaff tried to clear up the pitch but they didn't have enough manpower and soon realised how difficult a task it was," he explained.

"There was no plan to just clear our side - I can promise you that

"In England people are not used to these conditions. In Germany you give shovels to everyone, including the crowd, to help clear the pitch."

[Fuzzy]

Gomez won't even be back for Munich, so we'll be without him and Van Dijk for the first leg.
Seems kinda irresponsible to go into it with just Lovren and Matip, but what do I know.

[Fredo]

Lovren is out as well and with a recurrence of a hamstring. Most people will be happy.

[Norbs]

I don't think anyone will be happy that we have no back up for CB

[Leyton388]

Should have brought someone in as cover. Even Gary Cahill would have done.

[baitman]

Fabinho as makeshift centre back is ok.

But then how thin is this leaving our midfield...
Letting clyne go on loan is biting us on the arse and may well be the missing piece if the jigsaw that ends up costing us the premiership title.

[Nicey]

Gomez won't even be back for Munich, so we'll be without him and Van Dijk for the first leg.
Seems kinda irresponsible to go into it with just Lovren and Matip, but what do I know.

to be honest with you, the Champions lg, this season is a nice to have, the Lg Title and only the Lg Title matters, its the only ****ing show in this town