Eighteen-time English champions Liverpool will put their unbeaten start to the new 2015-16 Premier League campaign on the line against West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
The visiting Hammers started the season in positive fashion, but since then the honeymoon period has ended for new boss Slaven Bilic.
Liverpool
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Seven points from three outings has represented a positive start to the season for Liverpool, although you would have to say that the type of performances they have produced are not necessarily what you would associate with a team managed by Brendan Rodgers.
Ordinarily, Rodgers likes his sides to play with a fluidity in attack, which can come at a cost defensively - just as it did during the club's ultimately unsuccessful charge towards the title during 2013-14.
But, so far, what was once viewed as a shaky defensive axis consisting of centre-backs Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren, along with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, is yet to concede a goal.
Up the other end, though, things are still taking some time to gel together. While the likes of Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho have shown moments of individual brilliance, they are yet to shine as a collective attacking unit.
Speaking after the 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Monday - a game that saw Liverpool miss a number of first-half chances - Rodgers waxed lyrical about his team's performance: "I thought we were outstanding all the way through. First half we had good organisation and a threat going forward.
"The second half we came under pressure, but I still thought we were a threat. We have kept a good clean sheet, but are disappointed we could not get the win. It was a really good game of football. As a team we looked organised and were a threat going forward."
On the transfer front, Mario Balotelli has returned to AC Milan on a season-long loan deal, but Lucas Leiva has remained at Anfield following his impressive outing at the Emirates Stadium. Reports had suggested that the Brazilian midfielder was bound for Besiktas, but it now appears that he will be staying put.
Recent form: DLLWWD
Recent form (all competitions): DWWWWD
West Ham
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It all started so well at the Emirates Stadium on the opening weekend, but over the last couple of weeks the all too familiar feeling of gloom has descended upon Upton Park.
Since the 2-0 victory over Arsenal, the East Londoners have played host to newly-promoted clubs Leicester City and Bournemouth, both of whom left the capital city with all three points in tow.
If that was not bad enough, new manager Bilic has also had to contend with some off-field issues and departures. Enner Valencia was the first cause a problem when he criticised the club's medical staff for the treatment that he has received while out injured, although the Ecuadorian has since apologised for those comments.
Then there has been the exit by mutual consent of club captain Kevin Nolan, who was a firm favourite of previous boss Sam Allardyce, while the future of Modibo Maiga is up in the air.
Bilic has also been busy in the transfer market as far as incomings are concerned, but it seemed that he was less than impressed by one of his new recruits during the clash with Bournemouth. Angelo Ogbonna cost £8.5m from Juventus, but he was hauled off in the 34th minute of that encounter and has since vented his frustration on Twitter.
It all means that on the face of it at least, it will not be a happy West Ham camp that makes the trip up to Merseyside. They cannot even fall back on a decent away record either, with that win over Arsenal their first on the road in the Premier League this year.
Recent form: LLLWLL
Recent form (all competitions): DLLWLL
Team News
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Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson missed the clash against Arsenal because of a foot injury and speculation has suggested that he will not recover in time to face West Ham.
Adam Lallana could also remain on the sidelines alongside him due to a thigh problem, which is expected to hand further starting opportunities to Lucas and Firmino.
As for Bilic, he has a selection problem at right-back owing to the suspension of Carl Jenkinson. If Ogbonna is to be reinstated, it may mean that Tomkins will revert out wide to cover Jenkinson's absence.
Also, with Nolan having moved on, there may be a role for Matt Jarvis in midfield.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Skrtel, Gomez; Lucas, Milner, Can; Firmino, Coutinho; Benteke
West Ham possible starting lineup:
Randolph; Tomkins, Ogbonna, Reid, Cresswell; Noble, Kouyate, Obiang, Payet, Jarvis; Sakho
Head To Head
Of the last 13 meetings between these sides, West Ham have come out on top just twice.
At Anfield, their record is even worse, having not won there since England's World Cup heroes Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters scored in a 2-1 victory in 1963.
Overall, the Hammers have got the better of Liverpool on 25 occasions, while the Reds have celebrated 70 wins.
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Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:
We say: Liverpool 2-0 West Ham
It was only a couple of weeks ago, but with everything that has happened since then, West Ham's win over Arsenal seems a long time ago. They will try to do a similar job against Liverpool, but the home side have been tight defensively and are unlikely to make the same errors as the Gunners. Providing that they can create enough chances up the other end, it should be a routine home win.
Liam Apicella
