Liverpool FC will be looking to maintain their strong start to the season in the final game before the first international break when they take on West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds have taken seven points from nine so far, coming into the game off the back of a strong 0-0 draw away at Arsenal earlier this week - though they arguably could and should have won the game.
But they face the tough task of hosting Slaven Bilić's side - whose opening day victory at the Gunners has been somewhat overshadowed by disappointing defeats to Leicester City and Bournemouth on home soil.
That leaves the two sides seven positions, and four points, apart in the league table - but Bilić's side, even with a number of injuries up front, are a tough opponent.
Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers' team - who have improved in leaps and bounds each game so far, will be looking to rediscover some more fluidity going forward - with a number of injuries themselves having forced the Northern Irishman to reshuffle last time out.
Despite those changes, the Reds were at their best yet - as Roberto Firmino impressed on his full debut and Lucas Leiva added some extra defensive protection.
They'll be keen not to underestimate their visitors however, after being tested by newly-promoted Bournemouth in their first home fixture of the season earlier this month.
Ahead of the game, VAVEL Liverpool spoke to Henry Wass, a West Ham fan and season ticket holder at the Boleyn Ground, to get the view from the opposition:
Q: It’s been a mixed start to the season for West Ham, winning at Arsenal before losing to Leicester and Bournemouth. What’s the mood like amongst the fans at the moment?
HW: Typical West Ham United, really. I watched the Arsenal game at a friends' house full of cocky Arsenal fans so the victory was pretty sweet. But then it all came crashing down when I was sitting in my seat for the first time of the season 10 minutes in when Shinji Okazaki scored what was, put simply, a brilliant goal. The sloppy side of West Ham came back. Defensive errors cost us dearly and we were punished by two teams that realistically, we should have beaten. That sent a lot of fans into their sulky ways. It's not a nice place to be when we're losing. I would say overall it's mixed emotions but personally I think we will come good over time and we'll hopefully have a strong Winter period. It's a marathon not a sprint, as we all know.
Q: Back-to-back home defeats must have taken some gloss of your tremendous win at the Emirates, but is there still plenty of confidence in your new manager Slaven Bilić?
HW: Yes. I mean there's been a few in the crowd not liking his patient build-up play, but then they complained at Sam Allardyce's tactics and will probably complain whoever is in charge. Something you've got to realise is that West Ham fans are not all the same. From working-class to upper-class to celebrity status. There's a lot of us. But we don't always read off the same page!
Q: You were also knocked out of the Europa League in the third qualifying round after fielding a fairly weakened side. Were you disappointed to go out so early?
HW: At the time I was, and I feel sorry for the fans that travelled there to watch basically our youth team. They played really well but lacked experience. Playing away in Europe must have been tough for them but hopefully they learn from it. However, being in the Olympic Stadium next season in the Premier League has to be our priority and with a small squad like ours, being in the Europa League could affect that. Money talks.
Q: You come to Anfield this weekend without a win since 1963, but is there any chance of you springing a shock like you did at Arsenal?
HW: In football you never know and it's really about time that we beat you. We seem to play better away at the moment, so we can hope.
Q: The Hammers are suffering a little from injuries up top at the minute, how do you expect Bilić to set up on Saturday?
HW: I'd imagine we'll go 4-3-3 with Darren Randolph in goal, James Tomkins, Winston Reid, Angel Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell in defence with Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate in midfield. Further forward, Dmitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho - who should recover from injury to feature.
Q: With that in mind, there’s still a few days left of the transfer window remaining - do you hope, or even expect, to see West Ham complete any more business?
HW: We need a striker. We haven't had a proven goalscorer since Dean Ashton and we all know what happened to him. We need a winger as well. Matt Jarvis isn't good enough and he's rumored to be out the door so we lack width, which is something you'll probably see on Saturday. I don't know what goes on behind the scenes at West Ham but I hope they're working hard to sign someone before it closes.
Q: The Croatian manager has already brought in nine additions over the summer, how have they fared thus far?
HW: Dmitri Payet is a real wizard. He has a box of tricks, but sometimes he tends to use them a bit too much. I hope he learns quick cos in the Premier League you can't really afford to do that. He's been one of France's best players in recent months though, so I have high hopes for him. Ogbonna, who signed from Juventus, looks class but had a poor game against Bournemouth and was hauled off 33 mins in. Obiang has done well, whilst Lanzini only featured as a substitute but looks a real threat going forward. I think they will all take time to bed in but they're good international players nonetheless.
Q: Payet has made quite an impact since signing, is he your biggest attacking threat?
HW: Him and Manuel Lanzini. Hopefully Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia will bag a few this season as well, if they can stay fit.
Q: Alternatively, are there any areas of weakness that Liverpool should look to exploit?
HW: The wings. We're weak on both sides at the moment and with Christian Benteke lurking about our box you'd be foolish not to try and get some aerial service into him.
Q: Liverpool have kept three clean sheets, but have scored just two goals so far this season - who do you view as our biggest attacking threat?
HW: Philippe Coutinho is the stand out. He's quite some player. I think you have a good team this year. I think there's a lot more balance in your team than last season. James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne and Christian Benteke slot in a treat and make you a tougher opponent than this time 12 months ago.
Q: And with this your final season at the Boleyn Ground, what are West Ham’s objectives for the campaign?
HW: I think a top-eight finish and reaching the final of one of the domestic cup competitions would be a good season for West Ham.
Q: How do you expect both West Ham and Liverpool to fare in the league and cup competitions this season?
HW: Liverpool in fourth and West Ham finishing 8th. However, this time, we beat you in the FA Cup final. Now that would be nice.
Q: Finally, what’s your prediction for the game?
HW: My head's saying 3-1 to Liverpool, but my heart says a 3-2 away win for West Ham. COYI!