Sep 19, 2009
West Ham v. Liverpool
Points:
West Ham: 4 Pts, 13th out of 20
Liverpool: 9 Pts, 5th out of 20
Stakes: A sluggish start means different things when you are in different places to start a season. Liverpool is considered down right now, being in the 5th spot in the league some expected them to challenge for this year. West Ham's placement doesn't look terrible, 13th, but in reality they sit just a point above the relegation zone. Granted it's early to think about that, but giving up points at home is a surefire way to find yourself in the Championship next year.
Thoughts on the Opposing Side: West Ham leaves me indifferent. I know they've been up and down in recent years. If I were rooting for strictly Americans, I'd have to pull for them as they usually start USMT defender Jonathan Spector on the back line. Looking over their Soccernet page, I see a few names I'm familiar with; Matthew Upson, Kieron Dyer, Luis Boa Morte. (Sorry an aside, having taken french and knowing what "morte" means, when I translate that name in my head it reads as Louis Dead Snake. That is all) So West Ham doesn't bother me. That said, they would be a nice place to get points.
Update: I just remembered the clip to the right of Steven Gerrard's goal in the FA Cup final came against West Ham.
Will I Be Watching: I'll be out during the morning but plan to back in time. The late start (12:30) helps a lot.
Questions I have: Three games in a week is a lot, even for men in peak physical condition. How does Liverpool not come out sluggish after having to work harder than expected against Debrecen on Wednesday? When you have players like Fernando Torres admitting poor form already, it makes you nervous during a tough stretch like this.
Expectations: A win would be nice, but a draw seems reasonable. Road points are never easy to come by and Liverpool is playing their third game in seven days.
Game Thoughts Will Come Later.