WHEN Roy Hodgson accepted the challenge to become Liverpool manager, he might have expected his main opposition to be the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

But the 63-year-old has instead found himself at odds with two even greater influential adversaries - Lady Luck and the Anfield support.

The sight of Steven Gerrard limping from the Wembley pitch on Wednesday night was merely the latest slice of ill fortune that has hampered Hodgson’s quest to fill the brief of steadying the ship at Liverpool.

Injuries, player departures and needless suspensions have added to the acknowledged problems of dealing first with financial restraints and the subsequent protracted takeover to address them.

Hodgson, though, has caused disquiet among certain sections of the club’s support for his team selection and tactics that prompted Liverpool’s worst start to a top-flight season in more than 50 years.

Three successive Premier League wins against Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and champions Chelsea suggested a corner had been turned.

But when a poor draw at Wigan Athletic was followed by the dismal defeat to Stoke City last weekend, it was enough for some of the away fans to revive the chants for Kenny Dalglish that were first heard following the home loss to Blackpool last month.

Liverpool, missing central midfield trio Gerrard, Lucas Leiva and Jay Spearing, will look to get back on track at home to rock bottom West Ham United this evening.

And while admirably not looking to any excuses for his team’s disappointing campaign, Hodgson is adamant he can still win over the doubters among the Anfield faithful.