Premier League champions Liverpool travel to face West Ham with the pressure starting to build on Arne Slot after last weekend’s loss to Nottingham Forest was compounded by a humiliating 4-1 defeat to PSV in Europe.
The Reds have sunk to 13th in the Premier League with Slot’s side having now lost six of their last seven in the league amid a run of just nine defeats in 12 games - the club’s worst spell of form in more than 70 years.
Nevertheless, this weekend might provide the chance to bounce back as they travel to the capital, with the Hammers starting the weekend above the relegation zone on goal difference alone.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo is beginning to gel his side after taking over in September and the recent wins over Newcastle and Burnley – as well as the draw to Bournemouth – show that West Ham are not a team the champions should take lightly on Sunday.
Follow all the latest build-up, team news and updates from the London Stadium below:
West Ham v Liverpool Live
- West Ham host reigning champions Liverpool | Kick off at 2.05pm
- Both sides with point to prove after recent struggles | Live on Sky Sports
- Liverpool on worst run since 1950s and desperate for turnaround against relegation-threatened Hammers
West Ham United FC - Liverpool FC
Line-ups - Liverpool
12:56 , Flo CliffordLiverpool XI: Alisson, Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Isak, Gakpo
Subs: Mamardashvili, Endo, Salah, Chiesa, Jones, Ekitike, Robertson, Nyoni, Ngumoha
Line-ups - West Ham
12:54 , Flo CliffordWest Ham XI: Areola, Wan Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf, Magassa, Potts, Fernandes, Paqueta, Bowen, Wilson
Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Igor, Fullkrug, Guilherme, Rodriguez, Soucek, Irving
Joe Cole: Billy Bonds was 'everything that's good about West Ham'
12:41 , Flo CliffordThe former midfielder Joe Cole has paid tribute to Bonds, describing the Irons’ former captain as “everything that’s good about West Ham”.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Cole said: “Billy Bonds was manager when I signed as a kid and he was really kind to me and my family. Growing up at West Ham, his name’s synonymous with the club.
“Everything that’s good about West Ham, Billy Bonds, that was him. It’s really sad news and thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Steven Gerrard rejects Liverpool ‘crisis’ but warns ‘terrible run’ could continue unless major change is made
12:35 , Flo CliffordSteven Gerrard has insisted that Liverpool are not yet in a “crisis” but warned that their dismal run of form could get even worse unless Arne Slot finds a solution to the lack of balance in the team.
“Crisis is a very strong word and disrespectful to the players and manager who have served this football club,” former Liverpool captain Gerrard said on TNT Sports.
“I wouldn't use that word but this team is on a terrible run, they just keep bleeding. They're wide open and unless the manager can find a solution it's going to continue.”
Hugo Ekitike injury update as Liverpool star risks missing must-win game
12:25 , Flo CliffordLiverpool forward Hugo Ekitike was substituted during the 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven because he was struggling with a back injury, Arne Slot confirmed.
Ekitike was withdrawn in the 61st minute and replaced by Alexander Isak as the Reds fell to their ninth defeat in 12 games to continue their dismal run of form.
The Frenchman could be a doubt to face West Ham today, in what is turning into a must-win pressure game for the champions as they bid to end their losing run.
West Ham to honour legendary Billy Bonds ahead of today's fixture
12:20 , Flo CliffordFollowing his playing career, Bonds became first-team manager in 1990 and led West Ham to promotion from Division Two and took them to the FA Cup semi-final in 1991. Bonds also brought the club back to the top flight in 1993 following their relegation the previous year.
In 2013 was presented with the club’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement award and he was voted by fans as West Ham United’s greatest-ever player five years later.
The London Stadium has the Billy Bonds Stand named in his honour.
Bonds is survived by daughters Claire and Katie, and grand-daughters Eloise and Elissa.
West Ham also confirmed that a period of appreciation to honour Bonds will be held before kick-off at today’s Premier League home fixture against Liverpool.
West Ham great Billy Bonds dies aged 79
12:15 , Flo CliffordThe club shared a statement from Bonds’ family on Sunday afternoon which reads: “We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today. He was devoted to his family and was the most kind, loyal, selfless, and loving person.
“Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart and treasured every moment of his time at the Club.
"He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed. We take comfort knowing that his legacy will live on forever.”
The club added it shared the news “with deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts”, and paid tribute to “our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader”.
West Ham great Billy Bonds dies aged 79
12:08 , Flo CliffordWest Ham United legend Billy Bonds has passed away peacefully aged 79.
Bonds remains the longest-serving player in West Ham’s history and made 799 appearance for the club across a 21-year career (1967-1988) and twice won the FA Cup as captain.
He also won the Second Division title, four Hammer of the Year awards, had two testimonials, and claimed both a PFA merit award and an MBE for services to football.
Predicted line-ups
12:05 , Flo CliffordWest Ham XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Todibo, Diouf; Fernandes, Potts, Paqueta; Bowen, Wilson, Guilherme
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo
Team news
11:55 , Flo CliffordCrysencio Summerville and Dinos Mavropanos remain doubts for West Ham but Lucas Paqueta returns from suspension after sitting out the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Liverpool could welcome back Alisson in goal after he missed the PSV defeat due to illness while Hugo Ekitike could be fine despite his back injury in midweek. Florian Wirtz could have returned to training ahead of the trip to the London stadium after missing the last two matches due to a muscle injury.
How can I watch it?
11:45 , Flo CliffordIt will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event - following the earlier Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian and Celtic.
When is West Ham v Liverpool?
11:40 , Flo CliffordThe match will kick off at 2:05pm GMT on Sunday 30 November at the London Stadium.
West Ham vs Liverpool
11:35 , Flo CliffordArne Slot will be desperate for Liverpool to end their losing run as the struggling Premier League champions head to West Ham.
The Reds are on a historically dismal run of form, with the 4-1 loss at home to PSV Eindhoven their ninth defeat in 12 games.
The last time things were that bad was more than 70 years ago but Slot has insisted Liverpool will “fight on” and the Dutchman still retains the faith of the club’s hierarchy after leading the Reds to the Premier League title last season.
West Ham may have started the weekend in 17th, but Nuno Espirito Santo has picked up seven points from nine games, with the Hammers showing signs of life under the Portuguese.
Already in the bottom half of the table, having lost six of their last seven in the Premier League, the pressure will really be on Slot if Liverpool fall to another defeat at the London Stadium.
Good morning
11:30 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to live coverage of West Ham v Liverpool in a Premier League clash between two struggling sides.
The Hammers are only just above relegation, while the reigning champions have unexpectedly found themselves in relegation form too... a win today would be huge for both clubs.
Follow all the action here!
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