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Anfield hosts crunch clash

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 19/04/2010
Football betting

Liverpool take on West Ham United at Anfield on Monday evening and a win is a must if they are to cling on to their slight chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

The Reds, who are overwhelming sportsbook favourites for the clash, should fancy their chances of taking all three points over a shocking away-day record that Gianfranco Zola's side boast this term.

They have not won on the road since beating Wolves on the opening day and, with their Premier League status on the line, they face a trip to a place they have not won at since 1963.

Following two draws in their last two games, Liverpool's chase for the fourth Champions League spot looks to be petering out. The Reds however will be no pushovers, having won eight of their last nine home games and having lost just twice there all season.

In 14 Premier League visits to Anfield, the Hammers have netted just four goals and their best hope of points could come from a goalless draw in this game after three of the four points they have garnered in previous visits have come from stalemates.

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On their last visit to Liverpool two weeks ago, the Irons secured a valuable point at Everton and the same result here would be hugely important for the east London side.

England hopeful Carlton Cole is confident West Ham can continue their recent revival and maintain their top flight position.

Cole said: "We had a good result against Everton and on Saturday we had an even better result at home. I think we can build on this and get more points on the table with more wins.

"Obviously Liverpool are a good side as well, but hopefully we can go back up to Merseyside and get another result."

Luis Boa Morte has returned to reserve-team action, but a first-team return is unlikely to come this week. The Hammers are still without Scott Parker, who is suspended, but they have no fresh injury concerns.

Liverpool's star hitman Fernando Torres is battling to recover from a knee injury and with a Europa League semi-final in the same week, he may be rested for this encounter.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez said: "We will be ready to play against West Ham and to do well. The players know how important it is to progress and try to be in the top four."

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