Liverpool face a tricky away test to West Ham United tomorrow as their entire campaign hinges on the two games left in the season. Their qualification for the Champions League is completely in their own hands as two wins out of two will guarantee them a place in Europe’s elite competition. Anything other than a win at the Olympics stadium will mean calamity for the Reds with Arsenal breathing down their neck in the fifth spot.
West Ham United have been a tricky opponent for the Reds in recent times as the Hammers have won their last two home games against Liverpool. The Reds have also kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 away games against West Ham.
There is some good news for Jurgen Klopp’s men as former Red Andy Carroll might miss tomorrow’s clash with an injury which might make matters a bit comfortable for Liverpool’s defence. On that note, here is the probable Liverpool lineup in their final away game of the season:
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet has looked confident in recent months since he took his place back in the playing eleven from Loris Karius. The Belgian has been coming off his line swiftly and his shot stopping also improving in recent games. He needs to be wary of Manuel Lanzini and Andre Ayew who have been in good form of late.
Defence
Liverpool will go with a four-man defence with Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren being deployed as the centre-backs. These two have looked confident against strong physical attacking units and they will be needed to be at their best if Liverpool want to achieve a positive result against West Ham.
Nathaniel Clyne will be the right-back on the night while James Milner is expected to resume his left-back duties. Ragnar Klavan and Alberto Moreno will be the defensive cover on the bench.
Midfield
Lucas Leiva was judged as being doubtful for tomorrow’s clash by Klopp in his pre-match press conference but the Brazilian was present in training for the last two days and is expected to fill in for the injured Jordan Henderson. Emre Can will start in an advanced midfield role and accompanying him will be Georginio Wijnaldum who will want to improve his goal scoring record in away fixtures.
Attack
Roberto Firmino is also a doubt for the game against West Ham and is expected to be on the bench. Taking up his place will be Adam Lallana who will play on the flanks as opposed to his new midfield role. Philippe Coutinho will play in his favoured position on the left while the biggest news rumoured since the last few days is that Daniel Sturridge is expected to start tomorrow. Origi has been badly out of form and Klopp might feel that this is the best opportunity to try out Sturridge in a crucial league match.
