Liverpool v West Ham – A Test of Nerve, Rhythm and Redemption
As Liverpool prepare to face West Ham at Anfield, Molby On The Spot offered more than just retrospective critique. The Anfield Index podcast, hosted by Trev Downey and featuring Liverpool legend Jan Molby, turned its attention to Sunday’s clash with a clarity that cuts through the noise. It’s no longer about perfection. It’s about survival, resilience, and finding form when it matters most.
West Ham’s Form Offers Hope – But Also a Warning
The Hammers arrive at Anfield languishing in 16th place, but Jan Molby was quick to dismiss the notion of a straightforward encounter: “Of course they can hurt us with the quality they’ve got… they might be motivated by a full Anfield.”
Despite recent results – a draw against Bournemouth and defeats to Wolves and Newcastle – the quality in West Ham’s ranks isn’t in question. Players like Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paquetá and Jarrod Bowen possess the flair and force to cause problems. However, Molby identified the real issue: “I just don’t see any players who’ve stepped up and ran with it. Nobody’s really helping the manager.”
West Ham’s malaise might offer an opening, but only if Liverpool rediscover the structure and sharpness they’ve lacked in recent games. “We are a little unrecognisable at the moment,” Molby admitted, referencing the team’s sluggish performances against Southampton, PSG, and Fulham.
Liverpool’s Selections and Slot’s Trust Issues
Much of the discussion turned to Arne Slot’s squad choices – or more accurately, the limits of his trust. “He clearly has four lads he trusts in midfield and no more,” Molby observed. “And one of them is being used as a right-back.”
Connor Bradley is expected to return to the starting XI after Curtis Jones’ stint at right-back “didn’t work.” Molby was blunt: “To play as a full-back in an away game… I was not a big fan of that decision.”
In midfield, there’s pressure on Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch to offer energy and control, with Molby suggesting a possible rest for the fading Dominik Szoboszlai. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s left out and Curtis starts ahead of him,” Molby added.
Up front, the choices are as plentiful as they are problematic. “Our front guys are all out of form,” Molby said. “You’re judged on goals… and they’re not scoring at the moment.”
He predicted a front three of Salah, Díaz and Jota, despite his concerns about Jota’s inconsistency. “Could he want to give Jota another go at home after he scored against Everton?” he pondered, before admitting even Darwin Nunez’s cameo against Fulham was “pretty awful.”
Van Dijk and Salah’s Influence Will Be Vital
Molby was clear that Liverpool need more from their biggest names – and soon. “You do always look towards your leaders,” he said, pointing to recent underwhelming showings from both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
On Van Dijk: “It’s baffling… it’s not really part of what you do, making mistakes, if you’re Virgil.”
On Salah: “He’s a moment player… but he hasn’t produced those moments in recent games.”
Yet both players have a chance to reset the tone against West Ham, especially amid positive noises about new contracts. “Liverpool shouldn’t lose a player they want to keep,” Molby said, referencing reports that both Salah and Van Dijk are nearing extensions. “It sends the right signal to our fans.”
Finding a Way to Win – However it Looks
Despite the inconsistency, Molby’s message was clear: Liverpool can and should find a way. “We used to say it early in the season – we’ll find a way of winning the game. And I think we’re back to that.”
It won’t be about aesthetics. It’s about points. “I think there might be one or two hairy moments… but whatever is going to be needed, Anfield will give us a big hand.”
His final prediction? “3-1 to Liverpool.”
A simple scoreline. A complex match. But with seven Sundays to go and the title still mathematically possible, every performance from here must be a statement.
