2024-09-26 07:45:02
Liverpool lifted the League Cup last season at Wembley for a record tenth win; on Wednesday night their defence of the trophy began with a thumping 5-1 win over West Ham United.
The Reds will hope to go the distance in the Carabao Cup once more, but the big change from last term is Arne Slot being in the dugout after replacing Jurgen Klopp. There was no change in scoreline though; the Reds beat the Hammers 5-1 in this competition last season and did so again in the third round this time, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo both scoring twice in an emphatic victory.
Those goals, plus one from sub Mohamed Salah, all came after the Hammers took the lead through an own goal by Jarell Quansah. West Ham were outplayed and outfought, though, and Edinson Alvarez was sent-off to remove any hope of a comeback.
Follow live updates from the match below, with the fourth-round draw set to follow at full-time:
Liverpool v West Ham – live updates
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Liverpool book their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a near-flawless display
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LFC XI – Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas, Endo, Jones, Chiesa, Gakpo, Jota, Nunez
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WHU XI – Fabianski, Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Soucek, Alvarez, Soler, Bowen, Ings, Summerville
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93’ GOAL! Gakpo adds his second with a deflected effort [LIV 5-1 WHU]
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90’ GOAL! Gakpo rifles into the bottom corner to cap off a great performance [LIV 4-1 WHU]
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76’ RED CARD! Alvarez is sent off for a second bookable offence [LIV 3-1 WHU]
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74’ GOAL! Salah gets a third as he slots in after Fabianski had saved from MacAllister [LIV 3-1 WHU]
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49’ GOAL! Jota sweeps in the second after brilliant work from Jones [LIV 2-1 WHU]
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25’ GOAL! Jota darts in to convert Chiesa’s shot after great work from Jota and Nunez [LIV 1-1 WHU]
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21’ GOAL! Quansah scores own goal after a mix-up from a West Ham corner [LIV 0-1 WHU]
Liverpool FC 5 – 1 West Ham United FC
Arne Slot goes on the attack to show how Liverpool can remain Carabao Cup kings
22:30 , Chris Wilson
Last season, Jurgen Klopp described Diogo Jota as the best finisher at Anfield. If Arne Slot is yet to bestow such a compliment – and, more modest in his rhetoric, his praise of anyone so far has tended to be measured – he has installed the Portuguese as his first-choice No 9, a role he only had intermittently under the German. If Slot looked justified after the biggest win of his brief reign, this was a night when Klopp felt vindicated, too.
Jota’s first double since January displayed his predatory instincts, elusive movement and capacity to make scoring look simple. As Liverpool came from behind to beat West Ham United, the catalyst was the one member of Slot’s first-choice team to start. Jota may have felt the outsider in a second-string side but he served as their rescuer after Jarell Quansah, continuing his inauspicious start to life under Slot, accidentally put the Hammers ahead.
But Liverpool turned a deficit into a 3-1 win against AC Milan last week. Their powers of recovery were apparent again as Mohamed Salah, with one, and Cody Gakpo, with the second brace of the night, ensured history repeated itself. Last season, West Ham lost 5-1 at Anfield in the Carabao Cup.
FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
22:40 , Chris Wilson
Lopetegui looks understandably disappointed as he speaks to Sky.
“We don’t deserve this score because we did a lot of good things,” he said.
“We made a very good first half. They scored an offside goal. We suffered the first goal.
“After we had 10 players they scored more goals. The last 20 minutes we didn’t manage well. The players made a big effort. We were in the match until this moment despite the referee’s decision and a very clear chance we had.
“I’m sorry for our fans.”
On Edson Alvarez’s red card, he says that a “second yellow card can happen”, though he adds that it should have been a chance for his side to show some character.
“I’m very proud of the players who played until 60 minutes,” he adds.
FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
22:34 , Chris Wilson
Arne Slot was the first manager to speak to Sky Sports.
He said: “If you’re facing a team like West Ham, who have a lot of quality, they can press you. Second half they were also threatening on set-pieces.
“Since I’ve been here it’s never been easy, although sometimes the result looks different, but probably that’s the Premier League. Every team has quality players.
“I do feel like in most parts of the game we had control. We had a large part of ball possession, particularly in the first half.”
He adds that Cody Gakpo deserved his goal, “like others deserved it as well”.
On the competition within the squad, he said: “I’ve never worked with a group of players who don’t want to play. Everywhere is the same, players like to play, especially to be part of a winning group.”
Carabao Cup draw
22:26 , Chris Wilson
Here’s the draw in full, with Tottenham v Manchester City as the pick of the games.
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City
AFC Wimbledon/Newcastle v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Preston North End v Arsenal
Manchester United v Leicester City
Southampton v Stoke
Brentford v Sheffield Wednesday
Brighton v Liverpool
Carabao Cup draw
22:24 , Chris Wilson
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Carabao Cup draw
22:23 , Chris Wilson
Preston North End v Arsenal
Carabao Cup draw
22:23 , Chris Wilson
Brighton v Liverpool
Carabao Cup draw
22:23 , Chris Wilson
Manchester United v Leicester City
Carabao Cup draw
22:22 , Chris Wilson
AFC Wimbledon / Newcastle v Chelsea
Carabao Cup draw
22:22 , Chris Wilson
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City
Carabao Cup draw
22:21 , Chris Wilson
Southampton v Stoke City
Carabao Cup draw
22:21 , Chris Wilson
Brentford v Sheffield Wednesday
Carabao Cup draw
22:21 , Chris Wilson
The draw is getting underway!
Carabao Cup draw
22:16 , Chris Wilson
Arsenal beat Bolton in the evening’s other Carabao Cup match, so they move into the draw for the next round alongside Liverpool.
The full list of teams in the draw is below.
Ball 1: Aston Villa
Ball 2: Brentford
Ball 3: Brighton and Hove Albion
Ball 4: Chelsea
Ball 5: Crystal Palace
Ball 6: Leicester City
Ball 7: Manchester City
Ball 8: Manchester United
Ball 9: Preston North End
Ball 10: Sheffield Wednesday
Ball 11: Southampton
Ball 12: Stoke City
Ball 13: Tottenham Hotspur
Ball 14: Arsenal
Ball 15: Liverpool
Ball 16: AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle
FT: Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
22:13 , Chris Wilson
More from Jota and Jones, with Jota adding that Liverpool “have just one defeat”.
“We are still progressing, still developing our ideas – but only by winning games you become better, so we are happy.
“It’s hard but we want to win again obviously, we are the reigning champions.”
Jones says that “it’s been hard” being left out this season, but “I just want to play”.
“I’m back playing games. We’ve got a big team, a quality team as well. We can change the whole team, and play well and win, and we did that”.
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
22:10 , Chris Wilson
Jota and Jones are speaking to Sky after the game, and the Portuguese starts by saying that the game “was completely different” to what the scoreline suggested.
“We scored a couple when they were down to 10 men.
“I think they made it hard for us, it was a good game in general and we’re just happy to go through.”
“It’s important getting that equaliser as quickly as possible,” he adds.
“To score at Anfield, it’s always special so happy to help the team.”
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
22:00 , Chris Wilson
So, a dominant display from Liverpool who were nearly flawless in their 5-1 dismantling of West Ham.
The red card for Alvarez certainly helped, and the away side had caused a few problems for a much-changed home defence, but Quansah, Gomez and co. held them off for long enough for the attacking unit to do the damage.
The draw for the fourth round is expected at around 10.20pm BST.
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
21:57 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
21:52 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME!
There isn’t time for much more as the referee ends West Ham’s suffering with the final whistle.
The reigning champions go through after an impressive home performance.
GOAL! Liverpool 5-1 West Ham
21:51 , Chris Wilson
93 mins
GOAL! Gakpo has a deserved second.
The Dutchman picks up the ball on the edge of the box, turns Kudus and cuts inside. He hits a low effort from just inside the box, and it takes a deflection off Todibo and creeps into the bottom corner.
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham
21:49 , Chris Wilson
91 mins
There’ll be five minutes of added time here. Liverpool look for a fifth, with Gakpo bursting into the box again, but his low shot is right at Fabianski this time.
GOAL! Liverpool 4-1 West Ham
21:47 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
GOAL! A deserved one for Gakpo.
The Dutchman picks the ball up on the left wing and comes inside, exchanging passes with Nunez before rifling in a low shot that beats Fabainski at the near post.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
21:46 , Chris Wilson
89 mins
A liverpool corner comes to nothing and the match looks like it’s done, with the home side quickly winning it back and happy to pass around the back four.
There’s time for one more though…
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
21:44 , Chris Wilson
87 mins
Antonio does well to skip past Bradley but the ball bounces off Morton and runs to Kelleher.
Liverpool go down the other end and Nunez gets into the box and to the byline before cutting it back, but Jones can’t turn it in at the far post.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
21:42 , Chris Wilson
85 mins
Gakpo forces a good save from Fabianski with a driven effort from range.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
21:41 , Chris Wilson
83 mins
This game is over as a contest, though both sides are still ‘trying’ to get forward.
Paqueta and Summerville try and find a way through on the edge of the box, but it comes to nothing.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
21:38 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
West Ham counter well and Antonio releases Summerville down the left, but the former Leeds man can only direct his shot wide of the far post.
Liverpool bring on Andy Robertson and Tyler Morton for Tsimikas and Endo.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
21:37 , Chris Wilson
79 mins
Andy Irving and Mohammed Kudus replace Bowen and Soler for the away side.
MacAllister has a go from range and it produces a good save from Fabianski, who turns it against the post. The rebound falls to Gakpo, but he can’t poke it in.
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
21:33 , Chris Wilson
76 mins
RED CARD!
Edson Alvarez is sent off for a late sliding challenge as he clips Salah and earns a second yellow.
GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
21:33 , Chris Wilson
74 mins
GOAL! That should be that.
The ball comes to Salah on the right and he plays a great diagonal through ball to the overlapping Bradley. The youngster cuts the cross back to MacAllister, whose shot is saved well by Fabianski, but it rebouds back to Salah – who’d made a run into the box – and the Egyptian slots it in.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:29 , Chris Wilson
71 mins
Salah plays a lovely diagonal to Gakpo, but the Dutchman can’t make anything of it before Endo fouls Paqueta on the break.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:27 , Chris Wilson
70 mins
The corner falls to Solerjust inside the box, but the Spaniard thrashes a volley well over.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:26 , Chris Wilson
69 mins
Summerville leads the West Ham attack and it’s spread wide to Bowen, who clips in a cross. There are huge shouts for a penalty as Tsimikas had his arms up, but the corner is given.
Lopetegui is booked for his protests, as is Paqueta.
On replay, it definitely hit Tsimikas’ stomach first.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:25 , Chris Wilson
68 mins
Alvarez is booked for a late challenge on Tsimikas, before West Ham win a goal kick.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are now 5-1 up against Bolton.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:23 , Chris Wilson
65 mins
A rare counter for West Ham as Tsimikas hesitates to open up space for Carlos Soler. He hits an early shot to try and catch out Kelleher, but the ‘keeper saves well and it’ll be a corner.
It’s a deep delivery and it runs to Antonio, who hits a shot that ends up at the feet of Kilman right on the edge of the six-yard box. He can’t sort his feet out though, and it’s away for another corner.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:21 , Chris Wilson
62 mins
CLOSE! Good work from MacAllisterdown the left to slide it into the path of Jones. He’s clean through in the box but he’s under plenty of pressure, and he can only scuff a shot right at the oncoming Fabianski.
Quansah fouls Antonio and the away side have a chance to put it into the area, but it’s headed away.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:18 , Chris Wilson
60 mins
Coufal clips in a ball towards Paqueta, but Kelleher is brave and he comes to collect.
West Ham have replaced Soucek and Ings with the Brazilian and Michail Antonio.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:16 , Chris Wilson
59 mins
Arne Slot makes the first subs of the evening as Chiesa and Jota come off for Mohamed Salah and Alexis MacAllister.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:14 , Chris Wilson
57 mins
A half-chance for the away side as Tsimikas is caught out of position and Bowen gets free to cut back a dangerous cross. It runs to Summerville, but he can’t get the shot through the home defenders.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:13 , Chris Wilson
55 mins
West Ham are irritated again as they think they should have a penalty after Joe Gomez’s challenge, but the referee isn’t interested.
Liverpool counter again, but Nunez’s squared pass into the middle of the area is cut out with a sliding challenge.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:10 , Chris Wilson
53 mins
Liverpool go on the attack once more as Tsimikas makes the one-two down the left before clipping the cross towards Jota, but it’s headed clear.
Liverpool look in the mood here now.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
21:08 , Chris Wilson
49 mins
GOAL!
Jones does well as he picks the ball up near his own box and skips away from the challenge before releasing Gakpo down the left. The Dutchman lays it back to Jones, who surges towards the box and slips a brilliant through ball into the path of Jota, who duly sweeps it past Fabianski.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
21:06 , Chris Wilson
48 mins
There were shouts for a penalty as the ball popped up onto Gomez’s arm in the box, but it would’ve been incredibly harsh. His arm was right by his side.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
21:04 , Chris Wilson
46 mins
Jota switches it across to Gakpo, who hangs a cross up to the back post, but it’s headed behind for a corner. The ball in falls to Jones on the edge of the area, but he blasts well over.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
21:02 , Chris Wilson
KICK-OFF!
Liverpool get us back underway at Anfield.
This game is finely poised – with no extra-time tonight, we’ll head to penalties if it stays this way.
A reminder too that the draw for the next round follows the conclusion of this match.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:58 , Chris Wilson
An entertaining half for the neutral at Anfield, and a good chance to get a look at some of the home side’s fringe players.
Federico Chiesa has been particularly bright, though Endo and Quansah haven’t done much to prove themselves to Arne Slot.
Jota, Nunez and Gakpo have also been good, with the former two perhaps batting for a starting berth at the weekend.
West Ham have been limited to counter-attacks and set-pieces throughout, though they have proved that they can be dangerous from both.
Liverpool have certainly had the better of it, but it’s all to play for in the second half.
20:55 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:48 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME
The half ends with a dangerous West Ham attack, as Bowen breaks forward before cutting a ball back into the box that just runs away from Summerville.
The referee brings the half to an end and we’re level at the break.
20:46 , Chris Wilson
45 mins
Encouraging from Chiesa again as he stands up Creswell before cutting inside and hitting a shot, but it goes well wide.
There’ll be one minute of added time in the first half.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:45 , Chris Wilson
44 mins
Liverpool pick the right moment to press and it results in them winning a throw well into the West Ham half. The home side recycle possession to the centre-backs, but they still can’t find a way through.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:43 , Chris Wilson
42 mins
Silly stuff from Nunez as he makes a foul near the touchline when West Ham were going nowhere. Creswell delivers again and it’s another good delivery, but Bradley does well to divert it away for a throw while under pressure from Bowen.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:42 , Chris Wilson
40 mins
Lovely stuff from Chiesa as he nutmegs Coufal in the West Ham box before cutting a ball back, but it’s cleared in the end. The Italian has made a very bright start to the match.
Down the other end, West Ham win a corner kick. Cresswell delivers, and it’s headed out to Bowen, but he can only direct the volley at a sea of red shirts in the box.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:39 , Chris Wilson
37 mins
Liverpool have been dominant since they scored and they are enjoying far more possession, though they can’t find another way through the West Ham defence yet.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:36 , Chris Wilson
35 mins
Some lovely combination play almost releases Jota and Chiesa, but Kilman does equally well to cut it out.
Both sides just missing that quality final touch since the two goals.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:33 , Chris Wilson
32 mins
Liverpool break forward again, with Jota leading this attack, and he is clipped to win a free-kick about 35 yards out.
Chiesa is over it but Tsimikas delivers, though the ball runs out for a goal kick.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:31 , Chris Wilson
30 mins
CLOSE! Good play from the home side.
Quansah spreads it wide to Bradley, who cuts a cross back to Gakpo at the far post. The Dutchman takes a touch before rifling a half-volley goalwards, but it takes a deflection and goes narrowly wide of the far post.
Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:29 , Chris Wilson
28 mins
Home fans want a penalty as Bowen barges into Gakpo on the edge of the box, but they’re not even given a foul! It was 50/50.
Liverpool are back in the ascendancy in this match.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
20:27 , Chris Wilson
25 mins
GOAL! Liverpool are level.
A combination of passes on halfway between Jota and Nunez releases Gakpo down the wing. The Dutchman drives into the box before clipping a cross back to Chiesa, who volleys it into the ground.
It’s moving goalwards and Jota reads the run of the ball well, darting in front of Fabianski to head into the net!
Liverpool 0-1 West Ham
20:25 , Chris Wilson
23 mins
Liverpool try to equalise straight away with a free-kick from the right, and it’s a great delivery that finds the head of an unmarked Quansah, but he can only direct his header wide and over.
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 West Ham
20:23 , Chris Wilson
21 mins
GOAL! The corner comes in and there’s pinball in the box, as Endo’s header bounces to Alvarez. He tries to get it out of his feet and pokes it towards goal, and it finds the back of the net via a touch from a Liverpool player.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:22 , Chris Wilson
20 mins
Coufal collects the diagonal ball on the right wing and clips in a cross that is headed behind for a corner.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:20 , Chris Wilson
17 mins
DISALLOWED GOAL! West Ham thought they were ahead!
Both defences manage to fend off half-chances from the opposition, before Bowen bursts forward down the wing and spreads it wide to Summerville.
The winger messes up his first touch but it bounces across to Danny Ings, who was waiting in the wings to bundle it past Kelleher, but the flag goes up for offside!
No VAR in the early rounds of this competition, so the decision stands.
20:15 , Chris Wilson
14 mins
The ball in is an inviting one, right into the gap between the defenders and Kelleher, but Todibo can only direct a header wide of the far post.
Moments later, Bowen has a go with an effort from range, but Kelleher makes a simple save.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:13 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
Liverpool are certainly on top in the opening stages, though they haven’t been able to carve out a clear chance so far.
West Ham have a free-kick that they can deliver into the box, but the home side work well to clear it and pile instant pressure on Fabianski down the other end.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:10 , Chris Wilson
10 mins
Liverpool’s patient pressing pays off as Fabianski’s attempted ball forward is cut out by Endo.
Tsimikas whips in a first-time ball that is turned behind for a corner. He delivers the ball in, but it was too deep and it’s headed away.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:09 , Chris Wilson
8 mins
Bradley tries the early cross to Chiesa, but it’s cut out. The home side are just letting the Hammers keep possession around the back four, waiting for the right time to apply pressure.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:07 , Chris Wilson
6 mins
West Ham’sfirst foray forward sees Creswell driving with the ball, but he quickly runs out of options before a ball forward to Summerville is cut out by Quansah.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:06 , Chris Wilson
5 mins
Chiesa comes inside from the right and tries to thread through a ball into the box, but it’s cut out. Liverpool regain possession quickly though, and they’re dominating possession again within seconds.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:04 , Chris Wilson
3 mins
Dominant in possession early on from the home side. They seem to have settled already, with West Ham having barely seen any of the ball since the game began.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have gone 1-0 up against Bolton at the Emirates.
Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:03 , Chris Wilson
1 min
Liverpool win a corner straight away after good work from Bradley down the right.
Tsimikas delivers the ball in, and it takes a bounce off Quansah before Coufal turns it narrowly over his own goal.
The referee didnt’ spot it though, and the goal kick is given.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 West Ham
20:00 , Chris Wilson
KICK-OFF!
The away side get us underway at Anfield.
Liverpool v West Ham
19:57 , Chris Wilson
The teams are emerging from the tunnel at Anfield, and we’re moments away from kick-off.
The match between Arsenal and Bolton got underway at 7.45pm BST, and you can follow that here.
Liverpool v West Ham
19:50 , Chris Wilson
Just 10 minutes until kick-off at Anfield. Will Federico Chiesa impress in his full debut for Liverpool?
What the managers have said
19:45 , Chris Wilson
Julen Lopetegui says his side face a “big challenge” tonight.
“We are going to be playing against the current champions of the competition and we are at Anfield. [There is] big ambition and big expectation.
“Liverpool are a big team around the world. [Arne Slot] is a very good coach. He’s showing that he’s trying to continue the work from the last years and making it his style – I think they are doing very well.”
The Spaniard added that West Ham will ”face all the competitions with the intention to be able to go as far as possible”, adding that they are “a team under construction” since they “have a lot of new players [and] players who have never played in the Premier League.
“They have to adapt as soon as possible,” he added.
What the managers have said
19:38 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said that his side “will play with the best possible team, which means that players who are a bit more tired from playing a lot might mean I select different players. They will come in today and I’ll make the decision.”
“It’s not only fans who like winning trophies – players and managers do too. It is always nice to win something and I know in the history of the club they have won this trophy many times, including last season in a very special way with a lot of youngsters on the pitch.”
On West Ham, he says that they’ve had a “tough start but they’ve faced some strong opponents”.
“I’ve seen in their games they have had good spells. They’ve bought in a lot of players that have not been implemented yet but maybe tomorrow there is an opportunity for them. They will come back stronger and they have a good manager.”
Remaining League Cup fixtures
19:30 , Chris Wilson
There are only two more League Cup fixtures to be decided, though the postponement of one means that we won’t fully know all the teams in the next round until 1 October.
Newcastle’s match away to AFC Wimbledon was postponed due to rain on the London-based side’s pitch, so that game has been postponed and re-arragned for 1 October, at St. James’ Park.
Tonight, Arsenal face Bolton at 7.45pm BST at the Emirates to decide the other remaining tie.
West Ham form guide
19:25 , Chris Wilson
L-D-L-W-W
The Hammers have had a difficult start to the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui, and are currently languishing in 14th in the Premier League.
A woeful defensive performance last weekend ended in a 3-0 home loss to Chelsea, while they required a 95th-minute equaliser to draw against Fulham the week before that.
In the preceding fortnight, a weekend loss to Man City (3-1) had followed a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, while the Hammers also won 1-0 against Bournemouth in late August in the second round of this competition.
Liverpool form guide
19:17 , Chris Wilson
W-W-L-W-W
Liverpool have lost just one of their last five matches, despite facing what would generally be regarded as ‘tougher’ opponents.
The Reds easily dispatched Bournemouth 3-0 last weekend, having travelled to the San Siro in midweek. They left Italy with a 3-1 win against AC Milan after a solid Champions League performance.
The match before that saw one of the shocks of the season so far, as Nottingham Forest travelled to Anfield and left with three points after sneaking a 1-0 win.
In the two matches preceding that result, Liverpool had eased to wins over both Brentford (2-0) and old rivals Manchester United (3-0).
Liverpool v West Ham head-to-head
19:10 , Chris Wilson
Tonight will be the 151st meeting between these two sides, with the first dating back to January 1901.
Liverpool have won 83 of the previous games, with West Ham having won 29 – 38 have ended as draws.
The two teams met three times last season, with Liverpool winning the home league match 3-1. The league match at the London Stadium ended in a 2-2 draw, while the Reds also beat West Ham 5-1 in this very competition in December 2023.
Perhaps the most famous meeting between these two sided came in the 2006 FA Cup final, which ended in a 3-3 draw after normal time. The game is perhaps remembered most for two superb goals from Steven Gerrard, the second of which was a stunning last-minute equaliser.
That game ended 3-1 on penalties to the Reds to give them their seventh FA Cup.
Line-ups
19:02 , Chris Wilson
West Ham XI: Fabianski; Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Soucek, Alvarez, Soler, Bowen, Ings, Summerville.
Subs: Foderingham, Antonio, Paqueta, Kudus, Mavropanos, Rodriguez, Emerson, Wan-Bissaka, Irving.
Confirmed lineups
19:01 , Karl Matchett
Teams are in – Nunez starts up top for Liverpool, Ings is in for the Hammers against his former side.
Team news
18:40 , Chris Wilson
Here’s a reminder of the early team news – we can expect the line-ups to be announced in around five minutes.
Darwin Nunez will be hoping to start his second match in a row up front for Arne Slot, after scoring at the weekend against Bournemouth on his first of the season.
Arne Slot has already suggested Federico Chiesa could start for the first time since signing in summer, while Caoimhin Kelleher will continue in goal after Alisson’s injury. The likes of Jarell Quansah, Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo will hope to start after recent bench duty.
The Hammers might look to rotate after a sluggish start to their league season, with Carlos Soler and Danny Ings among those hoping to start. Niclas Fullkrug will miss out injured but otherwise Lopetegui has a full squad to choose from.
Arne Slot reveals challenge for Darwin Nunez to earn spot in Liverpool team
18:30 , Chris Wilson
Arne Slot insists the goals will come for Darwin Nunez when he plays – but said the striker first needs to understand his tactical demands to get a spot in the side.
Nunez is on a 14-game goal drought for Liverpool and is yet to start a match under new manager Slot, with all four of his appearances this season coming as a substitute while the Dutchman is waiting to see if the £85m signing can do “special things” for his team.
Slot has preferred to use Diogo Jota in the centre of his attack and appreciates the Portugal international’s ability to drop deeper and join in the build-up play.
Slot reveals challenge for Darwin Nunez to earn spot in Liverpool team
With five goals in five games, Luis Diaz is reaping the rewards of Arne Slot’s quiet evolution
18:20 , Chris Wilson
And here’s the report from Liverpool’s last match…
Liverpool are top of the league. But while that may only be for a day, more significantly, Liverpool are back on track. The tame home defeat to Nottingham Forest looks more of a one-game anomaly. After three goals in the San Siro came three at Anfield. As Bournemouth were beaten, like AC Milan before them, a week that began badly for Arne Slot has featured an impressive response.
And a success story of his fine start again illustrated Slot’s early impact. When the final whistle blew, Erling Haaland remained the Premier League’s runaway top scorer. So far, so predictable. What rather fewer would have expected when the season started was that Luis Diaz is his closest challenger. At times in his Liverpool career, the Colombian has provided everything but the goals. Now he has five in as many league matches for Slot: that average of one per game comes after a return of worse than one every four for the club before then.
A win made in South America also included Darwin Nunez’s first for Slot, as he made his maiden start under the Dutchman.
With five goals in five games, Diaz is reaping the rewards of Slot’s quiet evolution
Nicolas Jackson brace helps Chelsea ease to victory as West Ham fans turn on Julen Lopetegui
18:10 , Chris Wilson
The report from West Ham’s last result…
Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer secured another away win for Chelsea and raised serious questions about West Ham‘s direction under new boss Julen Lopetegui.
The Spaniard looked furious as his expensively-assembled side crashed to a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to their London rivals.
Jackson scored twice, the first within three minutes of kick-off, and Palmer added a third just moments into the second half.
Chelsea ease to victory as West Ham fans turn on Lopetegui
When is the Carabao Cup fourth-round draw? Ball numbers, TV channel and start time
18:00 , Chris Wilson
The Carabao Cup draw takes place this evening with just three more fixtures to be played before the third round is complete.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa joined the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in reaching the fourth round on Tuesday night.
Liverpool host West Ham and Arsenal play Bolton on Wednesday, while the postponed fixture between Newcastle and AFC Wimbledon will be staged next Tuesday and held at St James’ Park after it was postponed due to a sinkhole at Plough Lane.
Below is everything you need to know about the League Cup fourth-round draw.
Federico Chiesa and Liverpool teenager in contention to start against West Ham
17:45 , Chris Wilson
Federico Chiesa and teenager Trey Nyoni are in contention to start for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup against West Ham.
Arne Slot has spoken positively about the Italian winger, whose fitness is progressing since his summer move from Juventus.
While Nyoni, the 17-year-old former Leicester academy graduate, has also impressed the Reds boss.
“I don’t think he (Chiesa) is able to play 90 minutes,” Slot said. “He only played 25 now, as a maximum, in the last three, four, five months. I don’t think he played any friendly for Juve as well.
“But he’s able to start, in our opinion, and if he will, let’s see. There are many options that we have, but he’s able to start in our opinion.”
Federico Chiesa and Liverpool teenager in contention to start against West Ham
Prediction
17:30 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool to go through thanks to depth in attack, if not overall dominance on the night.
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham.
Predicted line-ups
17:25 , Chris Wilson
LIV – Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas, Endo, Jones, Gakpo, Chiesa, Jota, Nunez
WHU – Fabianski, Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Alvarez, Soucek, Soler, Bowen, Ings, Summerville
Odds
Liverpool 1/3
Draw 4/1
West Ham 7/1
Team news
17:20 , Chris Wilson
Team news is coming up shortly.
Darwin Nunez will be hoping to start his second match in a row up front for Arne Slot, after scoring at the weekend against Bournemouth on his first of the season.
Arne Slot has already suggested Federico Chiesa could start for the first time since signing in summer, while Caoimhin Kelleher will continue in goal after Alisson’s injury. The likes of Jarell Quansah, Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo will hope to start after recent bench duty.
The Hammers might look to rotate after a sluggish start to their league season, with Carlos Soler and Danny Ings among those hoping to start. Niclas Fullkrug will miss out injured but otherwise Lopetegui has a full squad to choose from.
Liverpool v West Ham – live updates
17:10 , Chris Wilson
Liverpool are the ten-time record winners of the EFL Cup and are also the reigning champions – and they begin their defence at home to West Ham United on Wednesday night.
Arne Slot inherited a team which won the Carabao Cup under Jurgen Klopp last season and while the Reds have made a strong start to the Premier League campaign under the Dutchman, he’ll be hoping to continue adding silverware – making this competition a big part of his plans.
The Reds briefly topped the Premier League, winning four from five so far, with Man City a point ahead.
The Hammers, now under Julen Lopetegui’s management, have won one, drawn one and lost three in an inconsistent start under the Spaniard – they’re 14th and will be looking for improvements in the weeks ahead.
Nevertheless, they’ll still harbour hopes of causing an upset and putting themselves in the draw for the fourth round.
That draw will take place straight after this fixture – and as there must be a winner on the night, only one team will remain involved.
Liverpool v West Ham – live updates
Monday 23 September 2024 17:07 , Karl Matchett
Welcome to the Independent’s live coverage of the League Cup third-round clash between Liverpool and West Ham at Anfield.
Team news is coming up shortly; Darwin Nunez will be hoping to start his second match in a row up front for Arne Slot, after scoring at the weekend against Bournemouth on his first of the season. The Reds briefly topped the Premier League, winning four from five so far, with Man City a point ahead. West Ham have won one, drawn one and lost three in an inconsistent start under Julen Lopetegui – they’re 14th and will be looking for improvements in the weeks ahead.
