West Ham could well have been handed a boost ahead of our trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

The away venture to Anfield on Sunday has been met with some criticism due to the fact that Chris Kavanagh is refereeing the match.

Liverpool fans in particular are annoyed at the decision of Kavanagh being made referee due to his history of overseeing the Reds.

Kavanagh, born in Greater Manchester, also officiated West Ham vs Liverpool in April 2023, where a Joel Matip goal for the visitors saw them seal a 2-1 win from behind.

Despite results, for the most part, going Liverpool’s way under the officiating of Kavanagh, it’s questionable decisions in the 2021 Merseyside derby at Anfield and Manchester City vs Everton that have swayed thoughts on Kavanagh, as a decision against a Rodri handball may have cost the Reds the league title.

West Ham will be hopeful that the inclusion of Kavanagh this weekend could sew the seed of doubt amongst the Merseysiders, as our Hammers aim to cause an upset and build on the impressive start to the season made so far.

The victory against Backa Topola in the Europa League on Thursday night has certainly lifted the confidence levels ahead of the game against Jurgen Klopps side.

Adding fuel to the fire of the match is West Ham’s Michail Antonio, saying the match is a “six pointer”. Antonio, who has been vocal about Sunday’s opponents, has also stated that he believes that West Ham will finish above the Reds.

Written by Joe Murray