West Ham United travel to face Liverpool on Saturday afternoon knowing a positive result could lift them out of the relegation zone, at least temporarily.
The Hammers have taken 11 points from their last six Premier League matches, a run that has sparked belief. The trip to Anfield will test their resolve.
The Merseysiders are chasing Champions League qualification and have won their last 10 home games against West Ham in all competitions, scoring 30 goals in the process.
History is firmly against West Ham, but momentum offers hope.
Match preview
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has spoken of steady improvement, and his team are better defensively.
After periods of defensive struggles, the Hammers have kept clean sheets against Bournemouth and Manchester United.
The Portuguese tactician has demanded total concentration from the first minute.
It will be particularly important against a Liverpool side that has scored more 90th-minute goals than any other team in the division this term.
A fast start could be key. West Ham have scored 59 percent of their league goals in the first half, while Liverpool have netted the lowest proportion before the break.
Arne Slot’s side may not be at their fluent best, but back-to-back 1-0 league wins show resilience.
With Mohamed Salah boasting 17 goal involvements in 16 Premier League appearances against West Ham, the threat is obvious.
Match stats
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 19 league meetings with West Ham (W15, D3).
West Ham have won only one of their last 52 away league games at Anfield.
The Hammers have collected 11 points from their last six league matches, as many as from their previous 18 combined.
West Ham team news
Freddie Potts serves the second game of his three-match suspension. Lukasz Fabianski also remains sidelined.
Pablo Felipe is progressing in his recovery from a calf injury but has not yet rejoined full training.
The 22-year-old bagged 10 goals and an assist in 13 league appearances this term before moving to London, and will be eager to deliver the goods for the Hammers.
Nuno could switch to a back five to contain Liverpool’s wide threats.
West Ham predicted XI (3-4-2-1)
Mads Hermansen; Jean-Clair Todibo, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Axel Disasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mateus Fernandes, Soungoutou Magassa, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville; Valentin Castellanos.
