LEAGUE POSITIONS West Ham 19th Liverpool 6th

WEST HAM TEAM NEWS MATTHEW Upson (Achilles) took part in a light training session on Friday, but is unlikely to be involved for West Ham.

Victor Obinna is a doubt with a foot injury and Robbie Keane is out with a calf strain, but Danny Gabbidon is fit after recovering from a hamstring problem.

Kieron Dyer is still a fortnight away from fitness, while Jack Collison is continuing his recovery from a long-standing knee injury.

LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard could return after three games out with a groin injury.

Gerrard was not risked in the Europa League game against Sparta Prague, but manager Kenny Dalglish later said the midfielder was close to fitness.

The Reds will check on the fitness of Martin Kelly and Daniel Agger, who were both forced off against Sparta, and Glen Johnson (Achilles).

Fabio Aurelio (adductor) is out and Andy Carroll (thigh) is still unlikely to make his debut, but Luis Suarez returns after being ineligible for the recent European games.

STATISTICS

Last season: Liverpool 3 West Ham 0, West Ham 2 Liverpool 3

Last five league matches: West Ham L D W L D; Liverpool W W W W D

Top scorers (all competitions): Demba Ba (West Ham) 11; Andrew Carroll & Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 11

Match odds: H 14-5 A 1-1 D 9-4

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).