Okay, here is the comprehensive, SEO-friendly pre-match analysis for Liverpool vs. West Ham, adhering to your structure and based only on the provided information.

**Meta Title:** Liverpool vs West Ham: EPL Preview, Tips & Prediction (56 chars)
**Meta Description:** Get expert EPL predictions for Liverpool vs West Ham at Anfield (13/04/25). In-depth preview, betting tips, team news, and score forecast. (148 chars)

# Liverpool vs West Ham: Premier League Showdown at Anfield - EPL Match Preview & Predictions

Anfield prepares for a crucial Premier League encounter as title-chasing Liverpool host West Ham United on Sunday, April 13, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 GMT. Fresh off the massive news of Mohamed Salah extending his contract, Liverpool aim to bounce back from a rare league defeat and maintain their commanding lead at the top of the EPL table. West Ham, under Graham Potter, arrive looking to cause an upset despite recent struggles. This football analysis delves into predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical insights for this exciting EPL fixture.

## Liverpool vs West Ham: Match Prediction and Scoreline

**Predicted Score:** Liverpool 3 – 1 West Ham

**Betting Insights & Probability:**

Based on historical dominance, current league positions, and home advantage, Liverpool are strong favourites. West Ham's potential threat, mainly through Jarrod Bowen, suggests they could get on the scoresheet.

*   **Winner Odds:** Liverpool are heavily favoured to win.
*   **Both Teams to Score (BTTS):** Yes – Liverpool's attack is potent, but they conceded twice last week, and Bowen has a strong record against them.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over – Previous meetings this season saw plenty of goals (5-0, 5-1), and Liverpool's attack remains formidable.
*   **Probability Breakdown (based on Opta supercomputer):**
    *   Liverpool Win: 69.1%
    *   Draw: 17.1%
    *   West Ham Win: 13.8%

*Keywords: EPL betting tips, Premier League predictions, score predictions, Liverpool vs West Ham odds, football betting.*

## Key Factors Shaping the Liverpool vs West Ham EPL Clash

Several key match factors will influence the expected EPL outcome at Anfield:

*   **Liverpool's Response:** After a surprising 3-2 loss to Fulham – only their second league defeat under Arne Slot – how will the Reds react? The pressure is on to avoid letting their campaign end on a "flat note," despite an 11-point lead.
*   **The Salah Effect:** Mohamed Salah's new two-year contract is a massive morale boost. While he's endured a rare four-game run without a goal contribution, the security of his future and his incredible season stats (27 goals, 17 assists) could see him return to his devastating best. His link-up play might be impacted by Trent Alexander-Arnold's absence.
*   **West Ham's Struggles Under Potter:** Graham Potter's tenure hasn't sparked an attacking revolution. While possession stats are slightly up, key attacking metrics (goals, xG, shots) are down compared to the Lopetegui era. Their away goal tally (15) is among the league's lowest.
*   **Anfield Fortress vs. Hammers:** Liverpool boast an exceptional home record against West Ham, winning the last nine encounters at Anfield and losing just once in their last 57 visits in all competitions.
*   **Key Player Availability:** Liverpool welcome back Alisson and Conor Bradley, but remain without Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez. West Ham's attack has been limited by injuries (Antonio, Summerville mentioned previously) and poor form from Kudus and loanee Evan Ferguson. Jarrod Bowen remains their primary threat.

*Keywords: key match factors, expected EPL outcome, Anfield advantage, Salah contract boost, Potter tactics, Liverpool form, West Ham away form.*

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### Liverpool Form and Team News

*   **Last 5 Premier League Matches:** L-W-W-W-L
    *   Fulham 3-2 **Liverpool** (A) - 06/04/25
    *   **Liverpool** 1-0 Everton (H) - 02/04/25
    *   **Liverpool** 3-1 Southampton (H) - 08/03/25
    *   **Liverpool** 2-0 Newcastle (H) - 26/02/25
    *   Manchester City 0-2 **Liverpool** (A) - 23/02/25
*   **Team News:** Alisson (GK) and Conor Bradley (RB) are fit to return. Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB/MF) and Joe Gomez (DF) remain sidelined. Virgil van Dijk is expected to sign a new deal soon and remains crucial defensively.
*   **Key Player:** **Mohamed Salah (FW):** Despite a recent dip, his season tally of 27 goals and 17 assists (44 goal involvements) is phenomenal. The contract news could spur him on. He needs one more goal to become the outright top non-English scorer in Premier League history.
*   **One to Watch:** **Luis Díaz (FW):** Has scored (1) or assisted (3) in each of his last four Premier League appearances, stepping up recently.

*Keywords: Liverpool latest form, Liverpool injury updates, Premier League player stats, Salah goals, Van Dijk leadership, Luis Diaz form.*

### West Ham Form and Team News

*   **Last 5 Premier League Matches:** D-L-D-L-W
    *   West Ham 2-2 Bournemouth (H) - 05/04/25
    *   Wolves 1-0 **West Ham** (A) - 01/04/25
    *   Everton 1-1 **West Ham** (A) - 15/03/25
    *   **West Ham** 0-1 Newcastle (H) - 10/03/25
    *   **West Ham** 2-0 Leicester (H) - 27/02/25
*   **Team News:** Attacking options have been limited by injuries to Michail Antonio and Crysencio Summerville (based on previous reports). Mohammed Kudus is enduring a 13-match PL goal drought, and Evan Ferguson hasn't scored in 14 PL games (6 for West Ham).
*   **Key Player:** **Jarrod Bowen (FW):** The standout threat. Involved in six of West Ham's last seven goals against Liverpool (3 goals, 3 assists). His pace and finishing could trouble the Liverpool defence, especially on the counter.
*   **One to Watch:** **Mohammed Kudus (MF/FW):** Recalled last week but needs to rediscover his scoring touch to support Bowen and ease the attacking burden.

*Keywords: West Ham latest form, West Ham injury updates, Bowen Liverpool record, Potter tactics, Kudus form, Ferguson goal drought.*

## Tactical Preview: How Will Liverpool and West Ham Line Up?

*   **Liverpool (Likely Formation: 4-3-3):** Expect Arne Slot's side to dominate possession and employ their signature high press. With TAA out, Conor Bradley's return at right-back could be key to providing width and linking with Salah. Luis Díaz will offer pace and directness from the left. The midfield battle will be crucial for sustaining attacks and preventing counters.
    *   *Style:* High-intensity pressing, quick transitions, attacking full-backs (where possible), focus on wide forwards.
*   **West Ham (Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1 / 5-4-1):** Graham Potter may adopt a more pragmatic approach away at Anfield. While aiming for better possession play generally, they might sit deeper here, stay compact, and look to hit Liverpool on the break using Bowen's speed. Defensive organisation will be paramount to withstand Liverpool's pressure.
    *   *Style:* Potentially more conservative away, focus on defensive structure, quick counter-attacks targeting Bowen.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Van Dijk vs. West Ham Forward:** Liverpool's defensive leader against whoever leads the line for the Hammers – potentially Bowen drifting centrally.
    *   **Bowen vs. Liverpool Left-Back (Robertson):** A crucial duel given Bowen's threat and record against the Reds.
    *   **Liverpool Midfield vs. West Ham Midfield:** Can Liverpool's engine room dominate and control the tempo, or can West Ham disrupt their rhythm?
    *   **Salah vs. West Ham Left-Back:** Can the Egyptian King exploit his flank, especially after his contract renewal?

*Keywords: EPL tactical analysis, formation breakdown, Liverpool pressing, West Ham counter-attack, possession strategies, midfield battle, key player matchups.*

## Summary, Key Takeaways, and Fantasy Football Tips

Liverpool enter this Premier League fixture as firm favourites, playing at their Anfield fortress and buoyed by Mohamed Salah's contract extension. While a recent league defeat and Salah's minor form dip are noted, their overall quality and dominant head-to-head record against a struggling West Ham side point towards a home victory. The Hammers' hopes likely rest on defensive resilience and Jarrod Bowen producing moments of magic.

*   **Key Takeaways:**
    *   Liverpool expected to win and maintain title charge.
    *   Salah contract news is a major boost for the Reds.
    *   West Ham's away form and attacking output under Potter are concerns.
    *   Bowen is the primary danger man for the visitors.
*   **Betting Angles Recap:** Liverpool Win, BTTS Yes, Over 2.5 Goals look like solid considerations.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   **Mohamed Salah (LIV):** Despite the mini-drought, the contract news and his season record make him a prime captaincy candidate. Expect a reaction.
    *   **Luis Díaz (LIV):** In excellent form with recent goals and assists. A strong differential pick.
    *   **Jarrod Bowen (WHU):** If looking for a West Ham asset, his record against Liverpool makes him the obvious, albeit risky, choice.
    *   **Consider:** Liverpool defenders (Van Dijk, Robertson) could offer clean sheet points, though BTTS is likely. Avoid West Ham defence.

**Final Prediction:** Expect Liverpool to control the game, creating numerous chances. West Ham will likely defend deep and counter, with Bowen posing a threat. Ultimately, Liverpool's attacking firepower, spurred on by the Anfield crowd and Salah's commitment, should secure a comfortable victory. **Liverpool 3-1 West Ham.**

*Keywords: EPL summary, fantasy football tips, match prediction recap, Liverpool vs West Ham analysis, Premier League takeaways.*