Liverpool will be aiming to build on their massive win against Manchester City when they welcome West Ham United to Anfield on Wednesday evening in the Premier League.
The Reds got their season back on track by edging past Man City 1-0 last weekend, inflicting the Sky Blues’ first defeat of the season courtesy of a second-half strike from Mohamed Salah. They now have some momentum back in their favour having also smashed Rangers 7-1 in the Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp will be determined to make it back-to-back wins at home in midweek and ensure the win over City was not a one-off.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool suffered a big blow in the closing stages of their game against Man City, with Diogo Jota being stretchered off due to a calf injury. The Portuguese will miss the World Cup and joins Joel Matip, Arthur Melo, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luis Diaz and Naby Keita on the sidelines.
Ibrahima Konate missed the weekend’s game with a muscle problem and remains a big doubt for the upcoming fixture against West Ham.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Jurgen Klopp could shuffle his pack following a quick turnaround but Alisson Becker’s position in the team will remain unchanged. The Brazilian made a few keys saves against Man City to keep a clean sheet and will be hoping to shut up shop as quickly as possible on Wednesday as well.
Defence
James Milner did a fantastic job deputising for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back in the Liverpool lineup on Sunday, but having played the full 90 minutes, he is likely to drop to the bench.
Alexander-Arnold will resume his duties at right-back against West Ham, with Andy Robertson getting the nod at left-back ahead of Kostas Tsimikas again even though the latter is expected to feature in the Liverpool lineup at the weekend.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez kept the in-form Erling Haaland at bay at Anfield in the last game, which should give the centre-back duo a lot of confidence heading into the hectic schedule.
Midfield
Fabinho will start again in his usual No.6 role, hoping to control the tempo of the game with his passing ability and defensive acumen against West Ham. He could have a new partner in Jordan Henderson in the middle of the park on Wednesday, with Klopp resting Thiago Alcantara ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Roberto Firmino had a quiet game against Man City but will be raring to make an impact when David Moyes’ side visit Anfield.
Attack
A hat-trick at Rangers and the winner against Man City should give Mohamed Salah a spring in his steps when he faces West Ham. The Egyptian will start on the right flank, with Harvey Elliot adding speed and creativity down the left in the Liverpool lineup.
Fabio Carvalho will also be pushing for a start.
Darwin Nunez enjoyed a few lively moments after coming on as a substitute on Sunday but he is primed for a recall into the Liverpool lineup. The Uruguayan will lead the Reds’ attack.