Reds Seek to Continue the Momentum

There is no denying that Liverpool F.C. is the form team in the Barclays Premier League at the moment. Rafa’s Reds have defied all odds to overcome a frustrating start to the campaign and surprisingly, the Steven Gerrard - Fernando Torres pairing isn’t exclusively responsible for leading the revival. The very underrated and always understated Yossi Benayoun is turning into yet another gem at Anfield. Not only was his treble last weekend against Burnley a huge statement of intent, but it was also just reward for a player who has worked effortlessly for his club’s cause in every role that his manager has asked him to play.

The Israeli playmaker, who has reached the peak of his form this season, is creating the chances that Xabi Alonso previously used to supply. Furthermore, he has remained firmly in control of his performances ever since gaining the much awaited promotion to the Liverpool starting line-up. As far as I am concerned, Benayoun will once again be the key to leading his side’s push for continued success as they visit Upton Park to face the highly inconsistent West Ham United.

In addition to Yossi’s form, Liverpool can count on an excellent dressing room atmosphere as their midweek Champions League win was followed with a key win for the team’s reserves over bitter rivals Manchester United. Reds youngster David Ngog reportedly outshone United counterpart Frederico Macheda as the Frenchman’s solo goal assisted the 10-man Liverpool reserves in overcoming an extremely tough opponent.

Sticking to Liverpool’s bench, it will also be interesting to see how Sotirios Kyrgiakos will step up his bid to impress the club’s demanding supporters. The Greek defender has the size, ability, and experience to shut down the most flamboyant of attacks but it will be interesting to see how he goes about proving himself in the Premier League. In the last bit of team news for the Reds, former Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani is nearing a return some time in October, which means the often criticized Lucas Leiva obviously needs to keep performing in order to hold on to his starting spot.

For West Ham United, there aren’t any major absences and it will be interesting to see if either of the former Serie A duo - Alessandro Diamanti and Luis Jiminez - is handed a starting berth in a fixture of this magnitude. Matthew Upson will obviously hold the key to success at the rear end of the field while Scott Parker will once again be asked to create the major openings from the midfield.

Despite any suggestions of a glimmer of hope for the Hammers, I feel that Liverpool will be way too motivated to be denied tomorrow evening. The last time the Merseysiders visited East London they walked out of Upton Park with a 3-0 victory. They certainly have all the quality needed to repeat that feat and to reiterate, they also have the momentum that their shoddy hosts so desperately lack.

Will it be a stroll in the  park for Liverpool tomorrow or can West Ham cause an upset? Have your say below!