Premier League 
/ Jaymes Monte / 26 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Raul Meireles has been in excellent goalscoring form of late.
"A patient and measured approach seems to be the new Liverpool way, backed up by the confidence that they can, and will, break down the opposition at some point inside the 90 minutes."
West Ham host an in-form Liverpool this Sunday lunchtime but could struggle to break down a resolute Reds defence...
Rejuvenated under Kenny Dalglish Liverpool could move to within just three points of fifth place Chelsea, albeit having played two games more, with a win at Upton Park.
Luis Suarez will be welcomed back after a two-week break due to his cup-tied Europa League status , Steven Gerrard could also return but Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly are all doubts. Dalglish has also rebuffed suggestions in the media that Andy Carroll was ready to make his debut this weekend.
Matthew Upson remains sidelined for the Hammers but Thomas Hitzlsperger should start having made an impressive goalscoring debut against Burnley last Monday.
Match Odds
Liverpool's revival of recent weeks has centred around a solid defence - one goal conceded in their last seven is testament to that - but with Suarez available again, and likely to be a little more settled following his two weeks off, they are likely to show a little more attacking intent here.
With the Uruguayan unavailable and Gerrard injured we've witnessed some slightly negative performances from the Reds in the Europa League. But, as the old adage goes, managers can only work with the players at their disposal. Defensive attitudes may have been more of a necessity than a preference.
West Ham, meanwhile, have had no problem unlocking weak and/or lower league defences. They scored three or more against Burnley, West Brom, Blackpool and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks. However, up against the organised and structured back line of Birmingham earlier this month they drew a blank.
Liverpool are the league's in-form team and should have too much for a faltering West Ham here, at odds of [2.3] to pick up all three points they're certainly worth backing.
Over/Under 2.5 goals
Each of Liverpool's last six games have had fewer than 2.5 goals. Conversely, eight of West Ham's last nine, in all competitions, have produced more than 2.5 goals.
However, as alluded to above, it may be more appropriate to look at games that the Hammers have played against renowned organised and robust defences, similar to Liverpool's. Against the leagues four meanest defences - Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United - they have scored just two goals in five games - disregarding the Carling Cup game against a weakened United side.
To back Over 2.5 goals at odds of [2.34] we'd have to put faith in West Ham doing something they have struggled to do all season; break down a stubborn defence. Odds of [1.75] on there being two goals or fewer are much more appealing.
Half Time
Since Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson in early January the Reds have only been behind at half time once. And even that was in his first game in charge at Old Trafford.
A patient and measured approach seems to be the new Liverpool way, backed up by the confidence that they can, and will, break down the opposition at some point inside the 90 minutes. Of Dalglish's 10 games in charge Liverpool have been level at the break on six occasions. Back that statistic to become seven from 11 at odds of [2.2] this weekend.
To Score
Luis Suarez scored on his Liverpool debut against Stoke then was twice denied by the woodwork in his only other appearance for the club, against Wigan. However, with goals expected to be at a premium odds of [2.3] on him finding the net this weekend are perhaps a little short.
Instead look to Raul Meireles at odds of [3.0]. The midfielder has scored in five of Liverpool's last six Premier League games.
Best Bet:
Back Liverpool to win @ [2.3]
Recommended Bets:
Back Under 2.5 goals @ [1.75]
Back Half Time draw @ [2.2]
Back Raul Meireles to score at [3.0]
All the In-Play prices from this afternoon's action......
West Ham host an in-form Liverpool this Sunday lunchtime but could struggle to break down a resolute Reds defence......
Mike Norman has had six successful Best Bets in a row now and believes that Newcastle are the team that can give him his magnificent seventh this weekend. Best Bet: Back Newcastle at [2.18] to beat Bolton....
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