Felipe Anderson will be key to West Ham getting anything out of their clash with top of the table Liverpool, according to Football.London reporter Sam Inkersole.
The Hammers host the league leaders on Monday night hoping to end a run of three straight defeats.
And respected journalist Inkersole believes that Brazilian winger Anderson could be the key to getting a shock result.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: “He’s going to be key to any success West Ham have, especially if Arnautovic is out on Monday night.
“He is a game-changer, he is a player who can make a difference, and without us knowing who will be playing right-back for Liverpool, we assume it will be James Milner or Jordan Henderson.
“Felipe Anderson up against James Milner or Jordan Henderson – he should be licking his lips because he could have the beating of them. So if there is one key area which could sway the game on Monday – obviously apart from Liverpool’s front three – it could be down West Ham’s left and Liverpool’s right.”
OPINION
Anderson has looked a little out of sorts in recent weeks, but if West Ham are to get something against Liverpool, you would expect him to be the man to instrument it. The Brazilian was marvellous towards the end of last year and was a key figure in an imperious run of form that had many believing that the Hammers had really turned a corner. Since then he has looked off colour, and it’s no surprise that the Irons’ form has suffered as a result. Players like Anderson are a rare breed capable of turning a match on its head all by themselves in a split second, and while that kind of talent can be invaluable, it can also be somewhat frustrating. It would ridiculous to expect that level of quality game after game from any player, but once you’ve seen somebody do it once, you can’t help but wonder why they can’t do it every time. The Hammers will just be hoping that Anderson can rekindle his form when the Reds come to town.