Liverpool vs. West Ham: How to Watch, Teams, and Preview for EFL Cup Showdown
As the football season heats up, Liverpool prepares to host West Ham in the third round of the EFL Cup at Anfield on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. This encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle, bringing together two teams in contrasting forms.
Kick-off Time and How to Watch
The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. local time. For those tuning in from the United States, it translates to 3:00 p.m. ET, 2:00 p.m. CT, 1:00 p.m. MT, and 12:00 p.m. PT. Fans can catch the live action on Paramount+, which offers a 7-day free trial for new users.
This midweek clash in the EFL Cup offers a breath of fresh air for football fans. With streaming options making it accessible from anywhere, it’s easier than ever to catch the thrill of the game, even without traditional TV setups. The advent of digital platforms like Paramount+ ensures you don’t miss a second of the action, bringing the electrifying atmosphere of Anfield straight to your screens.
Liverpool’s Form and Predicted Lineup
Liverpool comes into this game off the back of a convincing 3-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League. Arne Slot's men looked sharp, particularly with Luis Diaz netting twice. This win was crucial for the Reds, halting a brief spell of mixed results and restoring confidence within the squad.
As with many cup competitions, this fixture is likely to see significant squad rotation. Arne Slot is expected to give some of the fringe players and new signings an opportunity to shine. Among them, Federico Chiesa might make his full debut, generating excitement among the Reds' faithful. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined with a fracture, and ahead of this tie, goalkeeper Alison is also doubtful after missing the last match, making way for Caoimhin Kelleher to step in once more.
Predicted Liverpool lineup: Kelleher (GK), Bradley, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo, Morton, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, and Jota.
West Ham's Struggles and Predicted Lineup
On the other side, West Ham arrives at Anfield on the backfoot, having suffered a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea. This loss marks their third consecutive game without a win, casting doubts over their ability to bounce back quickly. Despite their current struggles, the Hammers will be determined to pull an upset in the cup competition.
David Moyes faces his own selection dilemmas, with Niclas Fullkrug ruled out due to a calf injury. However, West Ham still boasts a strong squad ready to challenge Liverpool. Tomas Soucek and Michael Antonio are set to feature prominently, while Lukasz Fabianski is expected to guard the net.
Predicted West Ham lineup: Fabianski (GK), Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Soler, Soucek, Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus, and Antonio.
The Importance of the EFL Cup
The EFL Cup, traditionally seen as an opportunity for younger or fringe players to get a chance to impress, holds much more significance for clubs aiming to secure silverware. It serves as a platform for teams to test depth and resilience while offering a chance at European qualification through winning the trophy.
For Liverpool, a robust performance here can enhance the momentum gained from their Premier League win. For West Ham, it presents a break from their league struggles and an environment to rediscover confidence and form.
Historical Context and Predictions
Historically, the EFL Cup has produced plenty of surprises, underscoring the unpredictable nature of knockout competitions. Yet, given the current form and squad strength, Liverpool enters this match as the favorite. With the home advantage and recent confidence-inclusive displays, many predict a win for the Reds. A forecasted scoreline sees Liverpool beating West Ham 4-1 to move onto the fourth round.
As football followers worldwide tune in, the anticipation builds for what should be an exciting and competitive match. While predictions and analyses lay out possible outcomes, the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability, ensuring that fans remain glued to their screens until the final whistle.