West Ham United will welcome Liverpool to the London Stadium on December 29, 2024, for what promises to be a thrilling Premier League encounter
Both sides have strong squads, and the clash offers plenty of intrigue with three critical points at stake as the season is well in its halfway mark.
Liverpool, a club associated with domestic and European success, will be looking to maintain its push for the Premier League title. On the other hand, West Ham, a club with some Premier League history and a strong squad led by Julen Lopetegui, will be aiming for a top-table finish this season to retain its Premier League football status.
West Ham United, under the celebrated Julen Lopetegui, have been one of the Premier League’s worst sides this season. Lopetegui, who took charge in the summer has a lot of work to do, and has been on the fringes of his job all through the season.
The Hammers currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, amassing 15 points from 12 matches. Their form has been poor, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five league games. West Ham were able to ease some of the pressure on their manager by getting a great result against Newcastle United. They won at St. James Park, 2-0, and here was what Julen Lopetegui had to say;
“I am happy for the three points and am very happy against a good team like Newcastle, with good players and a fantastic coach. I think today was a tough match and we were able to compete as a team.”
“I think we deserved to win. Today they had many moments in the first half, but I think the second half we deserved to win and we are happy because you have to do these kinds of matches against this type of team if you want to overcome them. Today we did, but I think the only thing we can do is do the things under our control, not today but every day.”
“So we had to keep with this mentality, but above all let me say we are happy for the players because they need this kind of feeling as a team to believe that we can do well as a team, to put the best for each player of the team.”
Historically, West Ham is one of England’s most storied clubs. Founded in 1895, the Hammers have a proud tradition and are known for their iconic Claret and Blue kit. The club has lifted the FA Cup three times and famously won the 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Fans of the London outfit can now purchase West Ham tickets from an online resale store in order to support their beloved team.
Liverpool, led by Arne Slot, are enjoying another remarkable season as they lead Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. Slot, who has been at the helm since this summer has continued from where his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp stopped.
The Reds currently sit 1st in the Premier League standings with 31 points from 12 matches. They remain unbeaten in their last five league games, with their most recent outing resulting in a comeback 3-2 win over Southampton at St Mary’s. Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and new signing Dominik Szoboszlai have been in scintillating form, spearheading Liverpool’s dynamic attack. Mohammed Salah’s brace and a sole strike from Dominick Szoboszlai scored to win for the Reds. Arne Slot has this to say after that slender victory;
“Over the moon’ is a bit exaggerating but of course we are really happy. Especially because after an hour we were 2-1 down. Maybe that wasn’t a reflection of how the first hour went because I think we dominated the whole game, which is not that easy, maybe you think we played the number 20 [team in the league standings] and this is what we expect, but I’ve seen many games of Southampton that they were dominating the game. In the end, if you’re 2-1 down after an hour you are maybe over the moon if you win 3-2.”
“No, I think what I do as a manager is I want to know their style of play. Sometimes it makes a bit of a difference if a No.9 is high and tall or fast or slow. So, it makes a bit of a difference, but I don’t think they changed their playing style. Not in the way they lined up as a 5-4-1 and also not in the way they like to play, because the first goal we scored was from them trying to bring the ball out from the back, which didn’t happen a lot for them today.”
Liverpool, founded in 1892, is one of England’s most decorated clubs. Their illustrious history includes 19 league titles, six European Cups, and eight FA Cups, making them one of the most successful football clubs in the world.
Match tickets
The London Stadium, with its capacity of over 62,000, is set to be packed for this huge encounter.
West Ham vs Liverpool Tickets can be purchased via the official West Ham United website or trusted ticketing platforms. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early due to high demand for such marquee fixtures.
For those unable to attend, the game will be broadcast live on major sports networks and streaming platforms, allowing fans worldwide to catch the action.
Team news
West Ham
Lopetegui might look to Michail Antonio’s physicality to cause problems for Liverpool’s backline, while Lucas Paqueta, the Hammer’s midfield general, will aim to control the tempo of the game.
West Ham XI: Areola, Wan Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Paquetá, Soler, Soucek, Bowen, Summerville, Antonio
Liverpool
Defensively, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will be tasked with neutralizing West Ham’s aerial threats, while Salah and Diaz will be tasked with scoring.
Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson,Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Salah, Nunez, Díaz
Prediction
West Ham’s home advantage could make them a tough opponent, but Liverpool’s quality and depth should ultimately prove too much. Expect a competitive game, with the Reds edging it in the final stages.
West Ham 1-2 Liverpool