HAMMER TIME!

West Ham v Liverpool
(Saturday, September 19, kick-off 5.30pm, live on ESPN)

A FLICK through the cliche book shows that winning while not playing well is "the sign of champions".

It's not the really the time for that kind of talk right now - but there's no doubt that's what Liverpool are doing at the moment.

The Reds are hit and miss over 90 minutes at this stage of the season but are still racking up the wins - and the goals (eight in 3 games).

The 1-0 win over Debrecen was the third in a row and the smart money is on Liverpool to extend that run at Upton Park.

Rafa Benitez has virtually a full strength squad at his disposal with just Daniel Agger, who is close to a return, Nabil El Zhar and Alberto Aquilani missing out.

The line up is likely to include three former Hammers: Glen Johnson, Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun, the star of the show in the last league outing against Burnley, when the Reds won 4-0.

West Ham have failed to score in their last three games against Liverpool.

And Gianfranco Zola's side have suffered five defeats in a row against Big Four sides, failing to score each time.

So whatever your punt 'West Ham nil' should be part of it.

ADVICE:

Prediction
West Ham 0 Liverpool 2 (13-2 Skybet)


Yossi Benayoun to score
The win market is pretty crap as a Reds win is widely expected, best price is 4-7 (various). Fernando Torres will always be a good goalscorer bet but, by his own admission, he isn't in top form. Yossi Benayoun, Liverpool's joint top-scorer on three goals, is in good form and facing his former club. He's 11-4 (extrabet) to be an anytime goalscorer and 9-1 to be first goalscorer (extrabet).

Steven Gerrard to score from outside the box in 90 minutes (8-1 Paddy Power)

Stevie was inches away from another 20-yard beauty in the week and he's sure to try his luck against the Hammers.