Liverpool vs West Ham United: Match Preview, Team News & Likely Line-Ups

By Marty Stewart /

West Ham travel to Anfield on Sunday minus their brace-scoring hero form last weeks fixture against West Bromwich Albion. On a season-long loan from Liverpool, forward Andy Carroll will have to watch on as his side try to overturn a half-century hoodoo in the red half of Merseyside. It was a well-earnt three points at Upton Park last start, but the Hammers will be looking for another result to get ever closer to the forty point mark and ensuring another year in England's top flight. Liverpool will be looking for a fifth win in six and remain in contention for the remaining European positions. The Reds have been in fine form since the turn of the year and another three points on the weekend will maintain the pressure on cross-town rivals Everton in the race for a Europa League spot. After a hard-fought 2-1 win at Villa Park last week, Brendan Rodgers' side will be looking to continue their goal scoring form at Anfield after convincing wins over Swansea City and Fulham in their last two home Premier League fixtures. Liverpool won a close one in this seasons first match between the two in East London, which finished 3-2 in December, but will need to be at their best to see off West Ham whom are continually improving under the re-signed Sam Allerdyce. Brendan Rodgers has a near full-strength squad to choose from and looks likely to go into Sunday's game with an unchanged line-up. West Ham have a few selection issues with Joe Cole - signed from Liverpool in the winter window - unavailable with a hamstring problem and defender George McCartney out with a knee complaint. The Hammers gaffer will need to decide who he replaces Carroll with but English forward Carlton Cole looks likely to get the nod over another winter acquisition Marouane Chamakh. Likely line-ups: Liverpool: 4-2-3-1 Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique, Lucas, Gerrard, Downing, Henderson, Coutinho, Suarez West Ham United: 4-5-1 Jasskelainen, Demel, Reid, Collins, O'Brien, O'Niell, Diame, Nolan, Taylor, Jarvis, Cole