WEST HAM UNITED VS LIVERPOOL: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool take on David Moyes’ West Ham outfit tonight at the London Stadium. The Reds sit 7th in the league table knowing victory will move them up into sixth place, above Spurs on goal difference. Here’s how Jürgen Klopp could line his side up for the encounter. For a match preview, you can head over here.

The manager in his pre-match press conference confirmed Roberto Firmino remains out injured. Ibrahima Konaté was struggling with a knock as well but his prognosis was more positive. Will the gaffer stick with the same lineup for the fourth game in a row? Let’s delve into it.

Alisson Becker will start in goal as usual, with Van Dijk and Robertson both lining up ahead of him. They will be joined by Konaté (provided he passes a late fitness test). The Frenchman is crucial to the new system implemented in recent weeks.

His pace, power and front footed nature allows him to cover the right back area when the opposition counter swiftly, leaving Trent marooned in midfield. If Ibou is ruled out, it’s unlikely the new system will be maintained. Gomez and Matip just don’t fill you with the sort of confidence the 23 year old does.

Should Konaté be fit enough to start, we can expect to see Trent line up in his new hybrid role where he plays in a double pivot in midfield when the side has possession. Benrahma will likely line up on the left wing for West Ham, Konaté will have his hands full with Antonio but will still have to be wary of the Algerian.

In midfield, Fabinho will once again be called upon. The Brazilian is running the risk of a two game suspension should he pick up a booking tonight. Tonight is the final time he has to walk that tightrope, with the threshold of 32 games being reached tonight.

Ahead of him, Jones and Henderson face a battle to keep their place in the side. They’ve been preferred in this new shape which sees them play higher up the pitch in the wide areas. They’ve largely impressed but struggled to make an impact on the ball against Forest.

Thiago and Elliott will both be pushing for a start. The Spaniard has come on in each of the last three games and could be handed his first start in over two months. He could line up on the left, with Jones switching to the right hand side, relegating the skipper to the bench.

Jones has enjoyed a consistent run in the side and has taken his chance with both hands. He deserves to continue, with Henderson the one to make way. The soon to be 33 year old can’t be asked to start three games a week at this stage of his career when his entire strength is built around intensity.

With Spurs to come on Sunday, the manager has to balance his squad well to ensure they are all in healthy nick to perform to the best of their ability. The fact that Jones possesses the ability to keep possession under pressure should make this a straightforward selection as West Ham will no doubt press ferociously.

In attack, Diogo Jota surely keeps his place on the left. The Portuguese international has put the drought behind him and welcomed in the flood. From 32 matches without a goal to 4 goals in his last 2 matches. You wouldn’t bet against him extending this particular hot streak tonight.

Mohamed Salah remains in good form and should keep his place on the right wing. Up top, the manager has a decision to make between Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez. The Dutch international has been preferred in that role as he marries application off the ball with a deft touch and appreciation for space.

He has picked up the mantle from Roberto Firmino and looked a real part of the team in recent weeks. Darwin meanwhile presents a completely different skillset. He’s an out and out striker who thrives on running in behind, bringing to the table a brand of chaos that unsettles defences.

He was the match winner in the reverse fixture and could be set to play a key part again tonight. He’s netted 15 goals in his debut campaign thus far and will be looking to exceed (or in the very least match) his compatriot Luis Suarez’s tally in his first full season at the club (17 goals).

Luis Diaz will continue his journey back to full fitness with another cameo here. He still remains quite a way away from starting again.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Jones, Thiago, Salah, Darwin, Jota.

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Matip, Tsimikas, Milner, Elliott, Henderson, Gakpo, Diaz.

Predicted West Ham XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski, Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Creswell, Rice, Soucek, Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma, Antonio.