Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool welcome West Ham to Anfield on Wednesday

Last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester City felt like a huge moment in Liverpool’s season — but it will mean nothing if they do not back it up against West Ham.

The Reds have always been a team for the big occasions. It will have been easy for them to motivate themselves for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s men.

But it is against the lesser teams that they have had more of their problems this season and a win over the Hammers in midweek would be an important step.

With another packed out Anfield to roar them on, Wednesday night could be the perfect time to follow up on their excellent performance and add consistency to their campaign.

David Moyes’ men have a bit of momentum after picking up seven points from the last nine available and will be no pushovers.

But we all know how much home support plays a part for the Merseysiders. They haven’t lost a home Premier League game in front of fans in five-and-a-half years. 

Mohamed Salah scored an excellent winner against City and now he simply has to continue with that form.

With Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz injured and Darwin Nunez still finding his feet in this league, the Egyptian will need to be Liverpool’s talismanic figure once again in the coming weeks.

Of course, that is a role he has had no issue playing in the past.

Mohamed Salah will need to become Liverpool’s talisman once again

London calling

Graham Potter has made an excellent start at Chelsea, but I’m not at all surprised by that.

The 47-year-old takes the Blues across West London to Brentford on Wednesday looking to claim his sixth win in seven games since swapping Brighton for Stamford Bridge.

He is clearly a talented manager, who has great ideas and is able to communicate them effectively — that was obvious from his time with the Seagulls.

Now he is implementing those same philosophies with a much higher calibre of squad, so it’s little wonder how impressive they’ve already been!

They relied on a world-class performance from Kepa Arrizabalaga to claim the points at Aston Villa last Sunday but sometimes you need that.

Graham Potter’s decision to introduce Kepa Arrizabalaga into the Chelsea fold looks like a masterstroke

When a goalkeeper has a great game, it is often said to reflect negatively on the team’s overall performance. No one mentions that when a striker scores a hat-trick to win the game for their team.

It’s great to see Mason Mount getting the plaudits he deserves again. The midfielder came in for criticism at the start of the season which I thought was harsh.

He took both his goals well on Sunday and his form bodes well for England ahead of the start of the World Cup next month. 

Anyway, let’s have a look at my predictions for all nine midweek Premier League games.

Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 12 predictions

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest (Tuesday, 7.30pm, Amazon Prime Video)

A trip to the Amex to face Brighton looks like another tricky task for bottom-side Nottingham Forest.

There are some signs of improvement at Forest and I was happy to see that Steve Cooper’s contract was extended.

But I’m expecting Roberto De Zerbi to claim his first win in charge of the Seagulls at home.

Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Crystal Palace vs Wolves (Tuesday, 8.15pm, Amazon Prime Video)

Managerless Wolves got an important win over Forest last weekend but this game should be a much tougher test.

The Eagles are sitting in a modest 13th place but are a match for anyone at Selhurst Park.

I’m expecting them to narrowly extend their unbeaten run to three games.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Wolves

Bournemouth vs Southampton (Wednesday, 7.30pm, Amazon Prime Prime)

Bournemouth impressively remain unbeaten in six games since Gary O’Neil became caretaker boss ahead of the visit of Southampton.

The Saints are without a win since August but are a threat when it does come together for them.

Something in me is saying Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men will get the win on the South Coast.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Southampton

Brentford vs Chelsea (Wednesday, 7.30pm, Amazon Prime Video)

Liverpool vs West Ham (Wednesday, 7.30pm, Amazon Prime Video)

West Ham are a difficult opponent for anyone under Moyes having gone unbeaten in five games in all competitions.

But Liverpool should have too much for them and I’m backing the Reds for a comfortable win at Anfield.

Source: Livescore