Preview: Liverpool vs. West Ham United

Liverpool will have Europe in their sights when they welcome West Ham United to Anfield for a Premier League battle this Sunday.

While Champions League qualification is a somewhat distant hope for the Reds, they could secure a place in next season's Europa League if they manage to close the current five-point gap to fifth.

The home side head into this fixture on the back of a comeback victory over Aston Villa last Sunday, while West Ham have been dealt a slight blow due to the absence of Andy Carroll.

The striker, who netted a brace in last weekend's 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, will be ineligible to play against the Reds as he is only at Upton Park on a loan deal from Merseyside.

The Hammers are expected to retain their Premier League status due to stretching six points above the relegation zone, so avenging their 3-2 defeat to the Reds in the reverse fixture will be at the forefront of their minds.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could be without youngster Raheem Sterling due to a thigh injury, while the Hammers could line up with Carlton Cole up front.

Recent form

Liverpool: WLWWW

West Ham: WLWLL

Possible starting lineups

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Gerrard, Lucas; Coutinho, Henderson, Downing; Suarez

West Ham: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Reid, Collins, O'Brien; Diame, O'Neil; Jarvis, Nolan, Vaz Te; Cole

Sports Mole says: 2-0