West Ham will look to exploit a ‘vulnerable’ Liverpool side this weekend, however must be aware of their of own shortcomings in defence, says manager Slaven Bilic.
Liverpool travel to the London Stadium of two consecutive 3-0 victories against Huddersfield Town and NK Maribor respectively, and Jurgen Klopp’s side will be looking to continue that good form in East London.
However, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic knows that despite their good form and often electric performances going forward, they are frail defensively, as shown by big defeats to both Manchester City and Tottenham in the league.
“Liverpool are a very offensive team.” said Bilic. “It is hard to defend for 90 minutes but when you know they are vulnerable you have a chance. You have to be behind the ball, be solid, make it tight for them. But you can’t only defend, you have to expose the weaknesses and space they are leaving behind.
“When they are analysing their season they are happy with attacking but probably not happy with their defensive phase of their game, but like us they are also trying to find a balance. It’s not only Spurs who have shown they can be very vulnerable.”
While the Croatian aims to punish Liverpool, he too is aware of his own problems at the back.
The Hammers will be without a number of key men at the weekend, including Pablo Zabaleta, who misses out through suspension, as well as Jose Fonte, James Collins and Michail Antonio who all miss out through injury.
“Injuries are part of football but it’s a bit strange because one week ago we were talking about having a full squad,” the manager said. “We had everybody fit apart from James Collins. Winston Reid was injured the day before the game [against Crystal Palace]. Fonte and Cresswell went out during the match.” Bilic continued.
“Reid and Cresswell should be available but this week we have had another few injuries, especially defenders, and it doesn’t look great now in that area of team. But we are in position to have a good selection and a good performance.”
