Starting XI: How should Liverpool line up against West Ham?
The best performance of the season courtesy of a Mohamed Salah goal sees Liverpool arrive into the clash against West Ham with a degree of optimism over the rest of the season. The Reds looked like they had saved their best defensive performance for Pep Guardiola’s visit on Sunday, and that should provide a strong foundation going forward for Jurgen Klopp – who must reply to charges of improper conduct before Friday following his sending off.
He will be on the sidelines for Wednesday’s clash though, unfortunately, not with Diogo Jota who will remain out with Luis Diaz until after the World Cup. That provides a selection headache for Liverpool who are now running out of options on the left-flank.
Here’s how we should line up: Formation 4-3-3
Alisson remains in goal in a backline that sees Trent Alexander-Arnold come in for James Milner, who may earn a start at the weekend when Liverpool travel to Nottingham Forest. With the Anfield crowd behind the side, there is a feeling that control will be easier to sustain on Wednesday night.
Liverpool should also be unchanged in midfield after the performances of the midfield three on Sunday, but Klopp could deploy Henderson if there are any fitness issues.
Upfront, Fabio Carvalho comes in for Diogo Jota on the left-flank, but he will have to be managed carefully for the remaining games before the mid-season break. With West Ham much more likely to deploy a deeper backline, that should present opportunities for crosses toward Darwin Nunez. Mohamed Salah completes the lineup – and will hopefully benefit from the transitions where Liverpool looked to change to a 4-4-2 against Manchester City.
How does Dan think Liverpool will line up? Check out the Starting XI Prediction Show below!
