Friday, 19th September, 2014
Sam Allardyce is hoping that Liverpool are suffering from a European hangover when they take on West Ham this weekend.
The Reds registered a narrow 2-1 Champions League win over Bulgarian underdogs Ludogorets Razgrad through a last minute penalty by Steven Gerrard on Tuesday.
Liverpool also suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Anfield last weekend and will look to get their league form back on track against West Ham tomorrow.
However, Allardyce is hoping that the Reds are still suffering from some of the after-effects of their midweek European sojourn when they travel to Upton Park.
"I hope so”, the West Ham manager told the club’s official site.
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Allardyce admits that three games in a week can be tough on any team, but he believes that Liverpool may have assembled a large enough squad to negate the effect of a European hangover.
“It depends on the squad Brendan [Rodgers] has assembled. On past history of playing teams after they've played in Europe, and having taken Bolton into Europe I know how hard it can be.
“He has assembled a big squad, whether he plays the same team on Saturday that played on Tuesday is something we have to try and predict.”
The West Ham manager admits though that they need to take care of their own performance on the pitch rather than hoping for Liverpool to be weaker due to their European adventure.
“If we can seek out any advantage we will do, from our part we'll concentrate on things within in our power and that is making sure we play well to the best of our abilities.”
After a win, a draw and two losses, West Ham are 13th in the league table on four points.
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