Sat 7 Dec 2013 15:00 – Liverpool v West Ham (Anfield)
Referee: Michael Oliver
This game looks like an easy one to predict and everything points to a home win in the match betting market. Liverpool have had mixed form away from home but at Anfield they have been devastating; winning six out of their seven games and scoring 16 goals in their last four. Things do not look as bright for West Ham and there have even been rumours coming from Spain that Pepe Mel, the recently departed Coach of Real Betis, is being lined up as a replacement for under-fire Hammers manager Sam Allardyce. The Spanish Coach can currently be backed at 33-1 to take over at The Boleyn Ground.
Liverpool’s last four home matches have averaged 4.75 goals per game and Liverpool themselves have averaged 4 goals per game in the same period. For goal betting, the over 2.5 goals market is worth exploring, and with Liverpool’s current scoring record, the handicap market could also offer some good opportunities. Another goal betting statistic worth noting is the fact that Liverpool have not conceded a single goal at home in the first half of a game this season, but they have scored 72% of their goals in the first 45 minutes.
The corner betting market shows a trend towards over 10.5 corners and 71.4 % of Liverpool’s home games have produced this result compared to 57.1 %of West Hams away games. Both team average 11 or more corners per game.
Liverpool are without Daniel Sturridge but they have coped well during periods without both of their main strikers so far this season, and they also have the creativity of Phillipe Coutinho back in the team. West Ham have had ongoing injury issues that have had a much more significant affect on their fortunes, particularly in front of goal, where they have struggled. Everything is stacked against the Hammers for this game.
There is no reason to think that Liverpool will not record their seventh home win of the season by a comfortable margin. With Coutinho back and Suarez in incredible form, it could be a tough day for the team from East London. For goal betting, look at Liverpool to score more than 2.5 or to win by a two goal margin and do not rule out another hat trick for Suarez.
Match prediction: Liverpool 3-0 West Ham