West Ham find themselves as close as 270 minutes from the club’s first domestic trophy since 1980, beginning with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
[MORE: 10 things we have from Premier League Week 17]
David Moyes’ side won the Europa Conference League trophy last season, but it’s been more than 40 years since the Hammers won one of England’s top three trophies; not since Sir Trevor Brooking, now 75, scored the only goal in the Europa League. 1979-80 FA Cup final against Arsenal. West Ham have already beaten the Gunners in the League Cup this season, thanks in large part to stars Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen, who scored a goal in the round of 16 last month. .
Unfortunately, Liverpool have won the League Cup nine times, adding just two seasons ago, since West Ham’s triumph in 1980, six FA Cups and eight top-flight league titles. Jurgen Klopp’s side are looking to bounce back from their disappointing 0-0 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, a game they failed to win despite an impressive 34-6 thrashing of their rivals.
Start: p. m. ET, Wednesday (December 20)
Online: Watch ESPN
OUT: Diogo Jota (undisclosed), Joel Matip (torn ACL – out for season), Andrew Robertson (shoulder), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Thiago Alcantara (groin) | QUESTIONABLE: Alexis Mac Allister (knee)
OUT: Michail Antonio (knee)
(C) 2023 NBC Universal