Aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table to 10 points, Liverpool travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Sunday evening.
The Reds made it three league wins on the bounce by beating Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield on Boxing Day. Arne Slot, whose side have prevailed in 11 of their last 13 matches across all competitions, is yet to lose on his travels since arriving at the club this year.
The Dutchman will hope his side will be raring to continue in the same vein in form but they face a rejuvenated West Ham, who are on a four-game unbeaten run.
Liverpool Team News
Arne Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Ibrahima Konate (knee) and Conor Bradley (hamstring) are not fit to face West Ham.
Liverpool will also have to make do without Dominik Szoboszlai, who will serve a one-game ban after picking up his fifth Premier League yellow card of the season in the Leicester City game.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker should don the gloves for Liverpool, trying to shut the shop as quickly as possible at the London Stadium.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are regular full-back picks. The duo are known for their attacking qualities and dynamism but will be required to be defensively strong to keep the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen quiet on Sunday.
Four goals and three points at the London Stadium in ’17/18 ✊ #WHULIV pic.twitter.com/imUeZnVTz8
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 28, 2024
Liverpool’s defensive lynchpin, Virgil van Dijk has to marshal the troops well. He will be joined by Joe Gomez in central defence once again, with the duo trying to keep Niclas Fullkrug at bay.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister must aim to take control of the game as quickly as possible. The duo can create many problems for the home side with their passing, composure, intelligence, and incisiveness.
Curtis Jones will operate in an advanced role in the Liverpool lineup, using his creativity and dynamism to breach the shaky West Ham defence.
Attack
Mohamed Salah is the hottest goalscorer in the Premier League right now. He took his tally to 19 for the season in all formats with a spectacular curler in the 3-1 win over Leicester. The Egyptian will be Liverpool’s most dangerous weapon.
Luis Diaz was an unused substitute in midweek, so one would reckon he would start centrally in the Liverpool lineup. Cody Gakpo, who scored the equaliser against Leicester with a beauty, should retain his spot on the left flank. Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Harvey Elliot will try to make an impact off the bench.
