Liverpool v West Ham preview

Reds looking to go three points clear at the top

Last updated: 1st December 2008

Liverpool v West Ham preview

Keane: Hoping to start

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Liverpool 1 West Ham 0
Sky Bet odds: Liverpool 2/7, Draw 4/1, West Ham 11/1
One to Watch: Steven Gerrard
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Liverpool will be aiming to go clear at the top of the table when they welcome West Ham to Anfield on Monday night.

The Reds can go three points clear at the summit of the Premier League with victory over Gianfranco Zola's side following Chelsea's 2-1 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday.

Liverpool will have to make do without star striker Fernando Torres, who scored a hat-trick in this fixture last season, as he is sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Robbie Keane is expected to replace the Spaniard in attack with either Dirk Kuyt or Steven Gerrard supporting him up front.

Fabio Aurelio is missing with a calf problem meaning Italian full-back Andrea Dossena is likely to replace him at left-back.

Javier Mascherano will be hoping to line-up against his old club, while Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel are pushing for recalls.

West Ham, who are chasing back-to-back wins, are close to full strength for the trip to Merseyside.

Scott Parker is expected to shake off illness to start in midfield, while Craig Bellamy will lead the attack against his former employers.

Kieron Dyer remains a long-term absentee for West Ham as the Hammers go in search of their first win at Anfield since 1963.

Possible starting XIs

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Reira, Gerrard, Keane.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Parker, Behrami, Bowyer, Bellamy, Cole.