Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

West Ham vs Liverpool as it happened: Jurgen Klopp's side take big step closer to Champions League

Re-live the Premier League clash at the London Stadium

Joe Miles,Freddie Paxton
Sunday 14 May 2017 11:29 BST
Comments
Liverpool simply must win to retain the initiative in the hunt for a top four spot
Liverpool simply must win to retain the initiative in the hunt for a top four spot (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool must beat West Ham United at the London Stadium to retain the upper hand in the race for a top-four Premier League finish.

What time does it start?

The match kicks off at 2.15pm on Sunday 14 May.

Where can I watch it?

It will be televised live on Sky Sports 1, with coverage starting at 2.00pm.

Preview

Liverpool will be looking to make amends after loosening their grip on a top four spot by drawing with Southampton at Anfield. Their fate still remains in their own hands, however, and only dropped points would allow Arsenal to sneak into the Champions League places.

West Ham, despite a difficult season, proved how dangerous they can be by crushing Tottenham’s title hopes in the last round of fixtures, and will be encouraged by Liverpool’s poor form against opponents in the bottom half of the table.

Speculation surrounding the future of Hammers manager Slaven Bilic will not let up, and although his team have little to play for in terms of their league position, the Croat will be conscious that a poor end to the season could influence the opinions of Davids Gold and Sullivan, the club’s co-owners, over his situation.

​Cheikhou Kouyate, who has been one of West Ham’s top performers this season, sustained a wrist injury against Tottenham which has ended his season. Edimilson Fernandes is likely to start in midfield in his absence, while Arthur Masuaku is in contention to return from injury and former Liverpool man Andy Carroll is expected to be fit to start. Klopp confirmed in his press conference that Roberto Firmino and Lucas Leiva have sustained minor injuries and will face late fitness tests ahead of the trip to London.

It’s a big game for…

Divock Origi: With Firmino reportedly out injured and Daniel Sturridge simply not in consideration to start under Klopp, Origi will need to have a better game than he did in his last outing.

He looked isolated and struggled to impose himself in Liverpool’s draw with Southampton, and if they are to finish in the Champions League places, they will need him to contribute with goals.

Best stat…

The last three meetings between West Ham and Liverpool have been draws (Two of these were in the FA Cup, with Liverpool winning the replay after extra time).

Remember when…

Steven Gerrard clinched a late winner as Liverpool beat West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final.

Player to watch

Andy Carroll: Carroll is likely to return from injury against his former club, which gives him added incentive to make an impression. The striker failed to deal with the pressure of his £35m price tag at Liverpool but has flourished when fit at his current club.

Liverpool are not exactly sound defensively, and if Carroll plays, he is bound to cause them problems.

Past three meetings

Liverpool 2 West Ham 2
Premier League, December 2016

West Ham 2 Liverpool 1 aet
FA Cup, February 2016

Liverpool 0 West Ham 0
FA Cup, January 2016

Form

West Ham: WDDDW

Liverpool: WWWWD

Odds

West Ham to win: 25/10

Liverpool to win: 17/25

Draw: 3/1

13 MINS

Origi looks to put Sturridge through on goal, but the striker just started his run too early and the offside flag is raised.

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:28

15 MINS

Coutinho pulls the trigger from the edge of the area, but the left-footed strike is easily collected by Adrian.

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:30

18 MINS

Origi goes to ground following a crashing challenge into the back of his legs from Fonte. There is not much intention from the defender, but the Liverpool lad certainly felt the wrath of his power. 

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:34

21 MINS

Clyne delivers a ball into the area towards Sturridge, but Adrian comes out rapidly and collects the ball. Top keeping.

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:36

23 MINS

Milner goes for goal from just inside of the area, but his left-footed effort takes a deflection and it makes a routine save for the Spanish keeper.

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:38

25 MINS

Lanzini goes to ground on the edge of the Liverpool area, but there appears to be no contact from Matip. The 24-year-old looked although he certainly exaggerated the contact. 

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:41

28 MINS

Liverpool are in control of this fixture at the moment, but they are just struggling to perform in the final third. 

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:44

30 MINS

Sturridge latches onto a loose ball, before laying it off for Coutinho. The Brazilian could not find his feet and his scrappy shot is easily blocked.

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:46

33 MINS

Lallana dummies a delivery into the box and it falls to Milner, who looks to open the scoring but it is a poor effort. Once again, it flies way wide of the far post.

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:49

35 MINS

GOAL

WEST HAM 0 - 1 LIVERPOOL

Sturridge opens the scoring for the visitors, following a terrific assist from Coutinho. The ball goes through to the striker, he pulls off a series of step-overs and skips past Adrian, before slotting the ball into an open net. And, of course, the Sturridge dance followed.

Joe Miles14 May 2017 14:51

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in