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Reigning champions Liverpool welcome West Ham United to Anfield for their Carabao Cup opener on Wednesday. The Reds qualified directly for the third round following their third-placed Premier League finish last season, while West Ham booked their place following a 1-0 win over Bournemouth in the second round last month.
The Reds have won five of their six games across competitions this season. After a come-from-behind 3-1 win at AC Milan in their UEFA Champions League opener in midweek, they thumped Bournemouth 3-0 at home in the league at the weekend.
All three goals came in the first half, with Luis Díaz bagging a two-minute brace and Darwin Núnez scoring the third in the 37th minute.
The Hammers, meanwhile, have seen a drop in form and are winless in three games. In their previous outing, they suffered a 3-0 home loss to Chelsea last week, failing to score for the first time this season.
Liverpool vs West Ham United Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have crossed paths 150 times across competitions, with the Reds leading 83-29.
- The Reds are unbeaten in six meetings against West Ham, winning five.
- In their Carabao Cup meeting in the quarter-final last season, the Reds won 5-1 at home.
- West Ham have one win against the Reds since 2016, with that triumph coming at home in the Premier League in 2021.
- The two teams have met eight times in the Carabao Cup, including replays, with the Reds leading 4-2.
Liverpool vs West Ham United Prediction
The Reds have scored thrice in three of their last four games across competitions, conceding twice and have won the Carabao Cup twice in the last three seasons.
Arne Slot's side have a busy schedule, including a Champions League game against Bologna next week, so he's expected to rotate his squad. Harvey Elliott and Alisson are confirmed absentees with injuries.
The Hammers, meanwhile, have had two defeats while conceding seven goals in their last three games. They have lost three of their last five away Carabao Cup games while scoring every time.
Manager Julen Lopetegui will have an almost full-strength squad, with only Niclas Fullkrug being a doubt. Lukasz Fabianski is likely to return between the sticks at Merseyside.
Considering the form of both teams and the Reds' dominance in the fixture, expect them to record a comfortable win.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 West Ham United
Liverpool vs West Ham United Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Liverpool to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Cody Gakpo to score or assist any time - Yes
