By Mark Strickland
Victory for Liverpool when they host West Ham United at 2pm on Sunday would take them within eight points of a record-equalling 20th Premier League.
Arne Slot’s side lost away in the league for the first time this term at Fulham last Sunday, conceding three avoidable goals in a 3–2 reversal.
However, the Irons proved no problem for The Reds back in December, though, as they scored five without reply through five different players at the London Stadium.
The win was most memorable for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s “chatter” celebration, which appeared to suggest the Real Madrid rumours were nonsense, but that now seems untrue.
Sunday’s visitors – who have since inevitably sacked Julian Lopetegui – are 16th but 15 points clear of the relegation zone under the tutelage of Graham Potter.
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Alisson Becker missed the 1-0 home Merseyside derby victory over neighbours Everton and the defeat at Fulham because he did not pass the concussion protocol.
But speaking after Fulham, however, Arne Slot said: “There’s a week to go [until the next match], so that gives us a bit more time.”
Joe Gomez (hamstring), Alexander-Arnold (back) and Tyler Morton (shoulder) remain the Reds’ other injuries while the Hammers’ Crysencio Summerville is out with a hamstring injury.
Alexander-Arnold may not play again for Liverpool, but I still expect him to receive a good reception before he departs for Madrid – if he does.
Predicted XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Jota, Diaz
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 West Ham United
