U.S. crude inventories expected to rise in weekly reports
Goldman sees 39;growing potential39; for faster OPEC output hike
Crude39;s physical market and structure send bullish signals

LONDON, Feb 1 Reuters Oil slipped on Tuesday from sevenyear highs, with prices pressured by speculation that producer group OPEC could decide to boost supply by more than flagged previously as well as expectations of a rise in U.S. inventories.

While the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC and allies, together known as OPEC, has been expected to maintain its policy of gradual production increases at a meeting on Wednesday, Goldman Sachs said there was a chance of further steps.

We view growing potential for a faster rampup at this meeting, given the pace of the recent rally and the likely pressure from importing nations, the bank said in a Jan. 31 report, adding that expectations remained evenly balanced between an accelerated response and a status quo increase.

Brent crude was down 63 cents, or 0.7, at 88.63 a barrel by 1430 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 55 cents, or 0.6, to 87.60.

Oil was also pressured by expectations that this week39;s U.S. supply reports will show an increase in crude stockpiles. Analysts expect stocks to have risen by 1.8 million barrels.

The first of this week39;s two supply reports, from the American Petroleum Institute, is out at 2130 GMT.

Brent and U.S. crude had hit their highest prices since October 2014 on Friday,…