Isak and Wirtz give Liverpool glimpse of brighter future with Salah left out

Good afternoon, and welcome to live coverage of West Ham United vs Liverpool from the Premier League, as the champions look to lift themselves out of crisis and avoid a fourth defeat on the spin in all competitions.

Arne Slot’s side are enduring a disastrous run, having suffered consecutive losses of a three-goal margin against Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and PSV, with the latest two matches both coming at Anfield. These disappointing displays are the latest in a catastrophic slump in form, with Liverpool having now won just three of their last 12 matches in all competitions and losing six of their last seven games in the league.

The dramatic drop-off in results has seen them slip from the summit of the league, following the first six matches of the campaign, all the way down to 13th coming into today’s contest at the London Stadium. However, given the incredibly condensed battle for European spots, three points this afternoon could see them climb as high as fifth, though that would require a significant margin of victory.

Slot’s men are currently seven points ahead of today’s opponents, with West Ham 17th in the table, avoiding the relegation zone only because of their superior goal difference over Leeds United. However, the east London side are on an upward trajectory, having picked up seven points from their least three games after amassing one point from their previous six.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men claimed victories over Newcastle United and Burnley before drawing away at Bournemouth last time out, and will now be looking to capitalise on the visit of a vulnerable Liverpool side. If Nottingham Forest fail to beat Brighton at the City Ground this afternoon, a win for West Ham will see them climb up to 16th, but more importantly, it will establish a three-point cushion above the drop zone and the struggling sides that occupy it.