By The Telegraph (World News) | Created at 2024-09-25 17:55:35 | Updated at 2024-09-30 07:22:07
4 days ago
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage as defending League Cup champions Liverpool host West Ham at Anfield in a third round clash.
The visitors will be looking to bounce back after a 3-0 loss to Chelsea at home on Saturday.
West Ham have had a tricky start to the season under new manager, Julen Lopetegui. He drew criticism after the lacklustre performance of new signing Guido Rodriguez, who was substituted after just 37 minutes at the weekend, and said: “If you make a change before half time, it is not the fault of the player. I can do better. Do not only watch the player, but watch myself in these moments.”
They currently sit 14th in the Premier League with three losses, a draw, and a win – however, their record in the League Cup so far has been more positive after they beat Bournemouth 1-0 in the second round.
Meanwhile, Liverpool enjoyed a 3-0 win over Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday, with stand-out performances from Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
The latter was given the chance to prove his worth with an unprecedented place in the starting XI at the weekend. And he certainly stepped up to the mark with a wonder strike which put the home side three goals up.
Speaking about Nunez’s goal after the match, Slot said: “My instinct when he shot was, ‘Why did he shoot?’
“Then I thought, ‘Good choice!’”
Liverpool have had a more successful start to the season than their third round opponents and currently sit second in the Premier League.
Their match tonight marks the beginning of their 2024-25 League Cup campaign, as they aim to defend the silverware they secured after beating Chelsea 1-0 in the final last season.
West Ham have a tough record at Anfield and have won just once in their last 55 visits in all competitions, including three defeats in the League Cup.
It was Liverpool who knocked West Ham out of the tournament last season after they beat their London opponents 5-1 in the quarter finals.
Team news on the way shortly…
