Three Key Battles - Liverpool

West Ham United will aim to extend their superb recent record against Liverpool when the Merseysiders visit London Stadium on Sunday.

The Hammers are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions against the Reds, having beaten Liverpool three times last campaign.

And though Slaven Bilic’s men are on a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League currently, it certainly won’t be an easy clash against Jurgen Klopp’s team who have won their last three on the road.

We take a look at three of the Hammers’ standout players from recent weeks up against their Liverpool counterparts…

 

Collins v Matip

James Collins has been a rock at the back in the last couple of months and will have plenty of confidence facing Liverpool off the back of his Best Individual Performance Award at the Player Awards on Tuesday.

At the back for Liverpool, Joel Matip has impressed this season since joining German side Schalke in the summer.

It’s the 33-year-old Welshman, though, who comes out on top in terms of defensive statistics when head-to-head with the German.

Ginge edges interceptions, clearances and blocks as well as aerials won, though Matip’s pass success rate is slightly better than the Hammers defender’s.

 

Lanzini v Lallana

On the creative side of things, Manuel Lanzini and Adam Lallana are vital for the respective sides.

Lanzini’s goalscoring has been massive for Bilic’s team this season and particularly in recent weeks – the Argentine has five goals in his last eight home games.

It’s London derbies the diminutive midfielder seems to flourish in, but the hosts hope he can find the back of the net once more against Liverpool, who have relied on Lallana this season to make their goals.

The England international has made seven goals for teammates in the top flight this season, though Lanzini leads the way in many other offensive statistics, as shown.

 

Ayew v Origi

The real goalscoring burden is currently falling upon Andre Ayew for West Ham, with Andy Carroll still out injured and duo Michail Antonio and Diafra Sakho also missing for the remainder of the season.

For Liverpool, Divock Origi has excelled this season, stepping up to play a key part in Jurgen Klopp’s team.

He’s scored six goals in the league while Ayew has five, though the Ghanaian has missed chunks of the season through injury.

Can either of the pair fire their side to victory at London Stadium on Sunday?