Preview: Liverpool vs. West Ham United

Liverpool can keep their place within the top four of the Premier League table if they take all three points from their clash against West Ham United on Saturday.

The Merseyside outfit responded to their 3-1 defeat to Hull City by hitting five goals past Norwich City, four of which came from prolific striker Luis Suarez.

All eyes will be on the Uruguayan at Anfield this weekend after he made history by becoming the first man in the Premier League to score three hat-tricks against a single club.

As we edge nearer to the hectic Christmas period, Liverpool remain in contention for a Champions League spot, but they reside seven points away from leaders Arsenal, who themselves are four points above second-placed Chelsea.

For West Ham, it's a different story as Sam Allardyce's men try to pull themselves away from the relegation zone, with just three points separating them from 18th-placed Fulham.

After grabbing a 3-0 win over Fulham last weekend, things appeared to be on the up for the Hammers, but a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Tuesday highlighted their lack of attacking threat once again.

Brendan Rodgers could name a similar team that demolished Norwich, with Philippe Coutinho providing service to Suarez due to the absence of Daniel Sturridge, but Lucas Leiva could come back into the fold.

While Andy Carroll is edging closer to a comeback, Allardyce is not expecting the striker to return before Christmas, so Carlton Cole could start.

The London side will be without Ravel Morrison, who is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card during their defeat to Palace.

Recent form

Liverpool: WLWDLW

West Ham United: DDLLWL

Possible starting lineups

Liverpool: Mignolet; Johnson, Agger, Skrtel, Flanagan; Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Sterling, Coutinho; Suarez

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Tomkins, Collins, McCartney; Jarvis, Diame, Noble, Downing; Nolan; Maiga

Sports Mole says: 2-0