Hello there and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of this afternoon's Premier League encounter as West Ham United welcome Liverpool to Upton Park. Team news should be through any minute.

LIVERPOOL: Mignolet; Johnson, Flanagan, Sakho, Skrtel; Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho Sterling; Suarez, Sturridge

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Jones, Toure, Cissokho, Lucas, Moses, Allen, Aspas

Just the one change for Liverpool following last weekend's 4-0 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur as Mamadou Sakho replaces Jon Flanagan in defence. Steven Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez all start.

WEST HAM: Adrian; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, Armero; Nolan, Taylor, Noble, Diame, Downing; Carroll

WEST HAM SUBS: Jaaskelainen, Jarvis, C Cole, J Cole, Potts, Johnson, Nocerino

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce also makes one change after seeing his side beat Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on Monday night. Pablo Armero is brought into the defence to take the place of the injured George McCartney.

UPDATE: Today's other match in the Premier League is coming to an end at Goodison Park, where Everton lead Arsenal 3-0. It's been quite the performance from the Toffees as they put the pressure on the Gunners for fourth spot in the table. We'll have confirmation of that result as soon as it comes through. Just under 10 minutes to go there.

Anyway, back to business. Liverpool know that a win this afternoon will take them back to the top of the Premier League table. Chelsea moved one point clear yesterday thanks to their emphatic 3-0 victory over Stoke City, but three points for the Merseysiders in the capital will put them at the summit with seven games left to play. What a title race it's turning out to be this season.

As for West Ham, Sam Allardyce believes that 38 points should keep his side in the top flight for another season. That means a draw today would all but seal the Hammers' survival.

PIC: Luis Suarez is the final @LFC player to enter the Boleyn Ground ahead of today's game! #COYI pic.twitter.com/B7gZq9hizK

— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) April 6, 2014

UPDATE: The full-time whistle has gone at Goodison Park, and Everton have beaten Arsenal 3-0. What a result for the Toffees. That leaves them one point behind the fourth-placed Gunners but with a game in hand. Can Roberto Martinez's side pip Arsene Wenger's men to that final Champions League spot? They've given themselves a superb chance.

Looking ahead to this afternoon's game at Upton Park, there are sure to be plenty of eyes on West Ham striker Andy Carroll as he squares up against his former club. Carroll claimed earlier in the week that he was not sure what kind of reception he would get from the travelling supporters. It didn't quite work out for him at Anfield, but it would not be a surprise if the Liverpool fans showed him some respect.

Whether Carroll scores today is another matter. West Ham should expect to be on the back foot for a lot of the match due to Liverpool's superb form this season and particularly in the last few weeks. The Reds are aiming for a ninth consecutive win and are the heavy favourites to do just that.

Recent form in all competitions:

WEST HAM: WLLLWW
LIVERPOOL: WWWWWW

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce speaking with reporters ahead of the game: "Since the turn of the year, our change of form and results has got better and better and now we're in the best run we've had since we've been back in the Premier League.

"We've got to take that confidence into Sunday's game and hopefully we can produce one of those performances that has happened many, many times in the Premier League this year.

"Just the other week Crystal Palace beat Chelsea, and Manchester City lost to Sunderland, things like that can happen."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "I'm not sure Andy (Carroll) will feel he has a point to prove. He knows he's a top player. West Ham paid a lot of money for him and in the style they play he's one of the best there is.

"Playing week in week out was probably the biggest factor, and it was a chance for him to do that. I don't think he has to prove anything to anyone."

HEAD TO HEAD: It's Liverpool who have the superior record between these teams, winning 59 games compared to 23 for West Ham. The two sides have also played out 31 draws. The Reds have also dominated the last six meetings by coming out on top four times. West Ham have won just once.

It was a familiar story when Liverpool hosted West Ham at Anfield back in December as the Reds earned a comfortable 4-1 victory. Luis Suarez scored two goals on that day while Kevin Nolan was sent off for the visitors.

West Ham's last victory over Liverpool at Upton Park came back in February 2011 when they beat the Merseysiders 3-1 as goals from Scott Parker, Demba Ba and Carlton Cole saw the Hammers come away with the spoils.

PREDICTION TIME: It's hard to look beyond anything other than a Liverpool win this afternoon due to the devastating form of the visitors. West Ham will give themselves a chance if the try to remain organised, but we here at Sports Mole can see Brendan Rodgers's side winning 3-1 and going back to the top of the table.

Five minutes to go until kickoff and the players are starting to surface from their respective changing rooms. West Ham may have little to play for, but they know that they can put a huge dent in Liverpool's title hopes if they stop them winning today.

KICKOFF! The teams are out, the pre-match rituals have been done, and it will be Liverpool to kick us off at Upton Park. Here we go!

CHANCE! West Ham have enjoyed the early stages, but it's Liverpool who nearly take the lead through Suarez. The Uruguayan tries to curl a free kick up and over the wall from about 25 yards following Noble's foul on Sturridge, though he can only shoot narrowly over the crossbar.

West Ham are already looking to pump the ball forward to Carroll as quickly as they can. The striker has caused the visitors one or two problems so far. Liverpool are struggling to settle into this game.

PHOTO: @luis16suarez attempts to open the scoring with an early free-kick from distance pic.twitter.com/uUguMVV6Xe — Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 6, 2014

Liverpool are beginning to take a bit more control now as Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling all find their rhythm. However, the West Ham players are taking full advantage of the fact that their fans are in fine voice and right behind them this afternoon. Still a lack of action in the final third though.

A bit of a half-chance for West Ham there as Carroll knocks down a long ball into the path of Nolan, but Skrtel is too quick and clears the danger. That's a tactic where West Ham could have some joy today.

It's quite clear that the hosts are trying to ruffle Liverpool's feather by stopping them get into their passing game. The visitors want to play it on the deck, but West Ham are mixing things up by playing their own direct style. The home fans continue to like what they're seeing.

OFF THE BAR! So close for Liverpool as Suarez tries to curl the ball into the far corner from just inside the box, but his effort comes back off the woodwork with Adrian beaten. That would have been some goal from the Uruguayan. He was inches away.

CHANCE! Liverpool threaten again, this time through Sterling. The winger receives the ball out on the right as the visitors break quickly following a West Ham corner. He goes for goal from a tight angle, though Adrian is alert to the danger and makes the save.

This game is finely-balanced at the moment as both teams show plenty of attacking intent. One would have been forgiven for thinking at the start of the day that West Ham would have been overwhelmed early on, but they've gone toe to toe with the Reds so far.

West Ham have given the ball away far too easily in the last few minutes, allowing Liverpool to create a couple of opportunities. One of those sees Suarez try to curl the ball into the far corner again, similar to his previous effort that hit the bar, but Tomkins is there to get his head to the shot.

CHANCE! Great play from Liverpool there as Sturridge goes close. The striker got on the end of a neat flick from Henderson around the edge of the penalty area, only to fire over. That was more like the Liverpool we are use to seeing.

West Ham win a free kick in a decent position following Sakho's foul on Carroll, though Noble curls his effort wide of Mignolet's right-hand post. The midfielder tried to catch the goalkeeper out there.

The home side are enjoying a good spell right now, particularly with Downing down the left wing. He's floated in a couple of decent crosses in the last few minutes towards the head of Carroll. However, the Liverpool defence is doing a good job of nullifying the big striker.

CHANCE! Another powerful drive from Sturridge, but again it goes high over the crossbar. West Ham failed to clear Suarez's cross, allowing the England international a crack at goal from inside the area that sails into the stand.

There is a bit of a contrast of styles out there at the moment, with Liverpool's slick passing up against the muscle of West Ham. Neither style is on top though as the two teams continue to battle for superiority. One thing is for certain: Hammers boss Sam Allardyce will be pleased with what he's seeing from his players.

Liverpool lead as Steven Gerrard scores another vital penalty for his side! The initial decision was given when Tomkins clearly handled in the box as Suarez tried to wriggle past him. No complaints from the Hammers there.

Confusion at Upton Park as West Ham equalise through Guy Demel, but not before some deliberation between the referee and his assistant. It looked as if Carroll might have fouled Mignolet as a corner was whipped in, allowing Demel to poke in from close range. The Liverpool players are not happy one bit and it appears their anger is justified.

What a crazy end to the first half! West Ham and Liverpool go in level at the break after that controversial Guy Demel goal cancelled out Steven Gerrard's opener from the penalty spot. Brendan Rodgers wanted a word with referee Anthony Taylor as the teams went down the tunnel, seeking clarification for that equaliser.

To make things clear: the linesman flagged instantly when the ball hit the back of the net for West Ham's goal, presumably for a foul on Mignolet by Carroll. The referee went over to the touchline to consult him on why his flag was raised before over-ruling the decision and giving the goal. Incredible stuff.

That incident aside, it's been a decent 45 minutes of football. West Ham have held their own against a Liverpool side that has underperformed so far. The Reds will need to put Demel's equaliser out of their minds if they want to go on and win this match. Remember, a draw today will see Brendan Rodgers's side go back to the top of the table.

23 - Liverpool have now scored in the first half in 23 consecutive Premier League games, extending the competition record. Inevitable. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 6, 2014

Liverpool will certainly feel aggrieved that it's 1-1, but they're certainly more than capable of going on to win this game. That said, West Ham are sure to have their tails up for the second half.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The players are back out and it will be West Ham to kick us off. Liverpool have made a change during the interval, with Lucas replacing Philippe Coutinho.

West Ham have started the second half brightly as they look to attack Liverpool early. Carroll remains the focus of everything that they do. Sakho and Skrtel must be sick of the sight of him this afternoon.

Now it's Liverpool who are asking the questions. They're passing and probing the ball around the West Ham box, looking for a way through. To the credit of West Ham's defence, the visitors are finding it difficult to get beyond the back four.

Liverpool aren't doing a great deal in terms of creating chances, but West Ham are struggling to get out of their ow half at the moment. The Reds are adopting a patient approach, biding their time before striking.

It's still Liverpool who are controlling possession in this match, but it's just not happening for them in the final third. Sterling feeds Suarez just inside the West Ham box before the Uruguayan hits a tame shot into the hands of Adrian. The hosts are being limited to the occasional counter-attack and long ball forward.

Just over an hour played at Upton Park where Liverpool continue to huff and puff in their search for a second goal. The visitors are dominating. Henderson in particular is having a bigger influence on the game as he dictates the tempo and keeps the visitors ticking over. Despite scoring his side's goal, Gerrard has been strangely muted this afternoon.

OFF THE BAR! So nearly a second goal for West Ham as Carroll rises at the back post to get his head on Diame's cross, but the crossbar denies him scoring against his former club.

It might be a case of the fitter team winning as we head into the final 20 minutes or so. West Ham are looking a bit tired right now as Liverpool make them do most of the running. The Reds have had 62% of possession during the last 10 minutes. Another opportunity falls the way of Sturridge from about 20 yards, only for the striker to lash his effort high over the crossbar.

SUBSTITUTION: West Ham make their first change of the match as Kevin Nolan is replaced by Antonio Nocerino. The Hammers skipper doesn't look best pleased with the decision to bring him off.

Liverpool are back in front as Steven Gerrard scores another goal from the penalty spot! It was yet another controversial decision from Anthony Taylor though as goalkeeper Adrian was adjudged to have brought down Flanagan with the full-back running away from goal. Hmmm. It could have gone either way. As it is, Liverpool get the decision and take full advantage.

10 - Steven Gerrard has now scored 10 penalties in the PL this season, only Andrew Johnson (11 in 2004-05) has ever hit more. Spot.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 6, 2014

It could be suggested that Anthony Taylor gave Liverpool that second penalty to atone for the decision that he made for West Ham's equaliser. You would hope that the official treats each incident separately, but you get the feeling he was favouring Liverpool heavily there. The visitors are now pushing hard for a third goal as they look to kill this game off.

SUBSTITUTION: A second change for West Ham sees Matt Jarvis enter the action in place of Matt Taylor. The Hammers need some inspiration from somewhere if they want to salvage anything from this game.

YELLOW CARD! Antonio Nocerino goes into the book for West Ham after catching Flanagan with a late challenge. Just over 10 minutes of normal time remaining at Upton Park.

Chances at either end there as Sturridge sees his volley saved by Adrian before Demel heads wide from a Nocerino free kick. There are plenty of gaps appearing all over the pitch now, though that is more likely to play into Liverpool's hands due to their quick counter-attacking style.

OFF THE BAR! The woodwork gets rattled by Suarez again as the Uruguayan's deft effort with the outside of his boot comes back off the crossbar. Meanwhile, West Ham make a change as Carlton Cole replaces Mo Diame. Liverpool also shuffle their deck, with Kolo Toure replacing Daniel Sturridge.

YELLOW CARD! West Ham full-back Pablo Armero goes into the book now for tugging away at Suarez's shirt.

CHANCE! Almost 3-1 to Liverpool as Suarez races clear of the defence, but Adrian does well to stay on his feet and block the striker's effort. Time is running out for West Ham. Can they snatch a point?

CHANCE! A late opportunity falls the way of Downing from about 25 yards out, but the winger shoots high and wide against his former club.

There will be four minutes of added time...

CHANCE! Sterling does brilliantly to trick his way past a couple of West Ham defenders before hitting a powerful drive from 25 yards. However, Adrian reacts well to palm it away.

The full-time whistles goes, bringing an end to a riveting 90 minutes of football at Upton Park. Liverpool win 2-1 thanks to two penalties from Steven Gerrard, but there was drama throughout. The Reds go back to the top of the table.

That's all from our live text coverage of this game, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the post-match reaction right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, and we hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!