Liverpool is being backed to take a big step towards the Premier League title with victory over West Ham this weekend.
The Reds spurned the chance to move 14 points clear of Arsenal last weekend as they were beaten 3-2 by Fulham, but the title is still virtually secure, with the team needing just 11 points from its final seven games to guarantee top spot.
Arne Slot’s men have been handed a boost going into the game by Mohamed Salah’s new contract and, in West Ham, Liverpool is facing a team that has won just one its last 10 games. Soccer pundits Chris Sutton and Paul Merson fully expect Arne Slot’s men to record a victory, with both men tipping a 3-1 scoreline.
“West Ham have been poor recently, and Bournemouth should have beaten them last week,” Sutton said in his BBC predictions. “The Hammers have not really improved since Graham Potter was appointed in January, but that is not on him.
“His predecessor Julen Lopetegui was not a good fit, and they have not recruited well either. Their season has been as dull as a Manchester derby and it is not going to get any better now. So, this is a good game for Liverpool to find some form again and the same can be said for their following match, a trip to Leicester, too.
“Even though Liverpool are not playing well, they will still have the desire and intensity at Anfield that they need to see off the Hammers without too much trouble. Mohamed Salah’s new contract will obviously lift the fans too.”
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Merson, writing in his score predictions for Sportskeeda, said: “Liverpool will win this. West Ham have been so disappointing. Graham Potter has not had that kick-on effect like I expected. But he will only be judged next season when he get his own players and builds his own system.
“Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk renewing their contracts is unbelievable news for Liverpool! It’s certainly bad news for Arsenal, Man City and the others though. If you had to lose one of those three players, it would have to be Trent Alexander-Arnold. I don’t mean that badly, he’s the best passer in the country, but Salah and Van Dijk are just more important.
“Fair play to both of them as well. They could’ve easily taken the easy way out by accepting a big pay cheque to go to another league in the latter stages of their career. But they have decided to stay at Liverpool and compete, which is commendable.”
