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West Ham United host Premier League leaders Liverpool at the London Stadium on Monday night.

The Reds will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing recent draw with Leicester City, whilst the Hammers will be under pressure to make up for their 3-0 defeat to newly-promoted Wolves last time out.

However, Manuel Pellegrini’s side have had some fine home results against ‘big six’ opposition so far this season, including wins over Manchester United and Arsenal. They’ll be hoping to take another scalp on Monday.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

The battlers

If the Irons are to take anything away from their upcoming meeting with Liverpool then Declan Rice must be at his absolute best at the base of their midfield. 

The 20-year-old has been in fine form so far this season and will likely be tasked with limiting Roberto Firmino’s influence on the match.

Jurgen Klopp has been deploying Firmino in a slightly deeper role than last season, with the 27-year-old Brazilian playing behind Mohamed Salah.

Rice’s ability to contain the 27-cap Brazil international could go a long way towards deciding the outcome of the match.

Who will prevail?

Given how effective Liverpool’s attacking contingent can be – particularly the devastating trio of Firmino, Salah and Sadio Mane – it is hard to see how Rice can seriously limit Firmino’s impact as the Brazilian will be afforded the freedom of the park to escape the West Ham man.

However, if Pellegrini puts an extra man in midfield, and gives Rice license to follow, press and chase Firmino, then he could could upset the Liverpool man’s rhythm. If West Ham do that enough, they stand a chance of securing a result.