Ah, Liverpool vs. West Ham. The banter. The tension. The anticipation that’s thicker than me trying to make porridge without burning it. Anyway, here we are, diving into what promises to be a match of…apologies, lost my train of thought, but you get the gist. So, this Sunday, Liverpool’s rolling out the welcome mat for the Hammers. Love a good Sunday roaster at Anfield. Seriously, who doesn’t?
Let’s be frank, West Ham haven’t exactly been setting the league on fire this season. They’ve been more like a candle flickering in the wind. Fragile stuff. Sitting at a not-so-comfy 16th, it’s been a heck of a ride for the Hammers. More like a rollercoaster that’s mostly been going down. And yet, thinking aloud here, there’s something about them that still feels like they could just, I don’t know, surprise us?
Had a chat with James Jones, a die-hard West Ham fan – you know, the ones that stay hopeful no matter what – about the season, Liverpool’s ups and downs, and what’s likely to happen on the weekend. Spoiler: opinions were shared, tea was spilled, lots of head-shaking happened.
Drop back with me for a moment. West Ham’s season so far? Well, let’s just say, it’s not been the kind you scrapbook about. Started with Julen Lopetegui – yeah, that didn’t work out – and now it’s Graham Potter trying to mend the mess. Picture trying to turn a sinking ship with a spoon. Or something like that. Potter’s a good chap, but he walked into a situation fit for some reality TV drama. Truthfully, feel a bit sorry for the bloke.
Oh, Potter, bless his cotton socks, been trying to work a miracle. Getting the defense sorted, kinda-ish, but maybe at the cost of forgetting what a goal looks like? Eh, just me musing. Defensively, sure, better numbers, like dropping the diet cola from a double burger meal. But attack? Yeah, that’s another saga.
Now, who’s been the shining stars or at least trying to glimmer a bit? Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek, probably still the ones holding things together. Max Kilman – who I still think gets less praise than he deserves, kinda like cauliflower – has done remarkably well too. But, on the other hand, there’s Mohammed Kudus, who’s having a rough one. Really, you root for the guy, but sometimes it’s just not the season.
Okay, so what’s left for West Ham now? Just playing for pride, really. Maybe trying to notch up a couple of wins for the fans, give them something to smile about. Players showcasing their skills for the gaffer in hopes of sticking around. It’s that end-of-school term vibe – just coasting, even if it’s for extra credit.
Switching gears to Liverpool. They’re basically champions, unless something utterly bizarre happens. Which, let’s face it, in football you never say never. But really, it’s pretty much signed, sealed, and almost delivered. Liverpool’s been pretty sensational under Arne Slot. Some may say surprising, but delightful nonetheless.
Oh, memories of facing Liverpool! That sweet, sweet taste of a 3-0 victory at Anfield back in 2015 for West Ham? Yup, forever burned in their minds. Meanwhile, the nightmare of the Gerrard ’06 cup final goal? Yeah, that’s one that sticks around like gum on a shoe. Rough times.
Fast forward to the upcoming match. Keep your eyes peeled for Ollie Scarles against Mohamed Salah – that’s a match-up that could get intriguing. Scarles is young, maybe green, but Potter’s placed some faith in him. Sunday’s gonna be a heck of a test for the lad.
Prediction time. Spoiler: I’m no psychic. Anfield’s a fortress, and West Ham haven’t exactly stormed it. But, who knows? Maybe they get a bit of luck with Liverpool’s current dicey form? But let’s not get carried away, prediction-wise – a narrow victory for Liverpool sounds just about right. Two to one, maybe? Then again, I’ve been wrong before. Often, actually.
