Predicted West Ham line-up to face Liverpool in the Premier League
West Ham will be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome league leaders Liverpool to the London Stadium. They face an uphill task though as they have lost their last two Premier League games, which will be a massive worry for Pellegrini.
After their impressive 1-0 win over giants Arsenal, they have succumbed to embarrassing defeats at the hands of Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers. They will be looking to bounce back and will try to get something from this game against Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Currently in 12th place, a win against the Reds could see them move all the way up to 8th – such is the nature of the Premier League. This promises to be an intriguing affair, with the leaders looking to create more daylight between themselves and the chasing pack led by Manchester City.
Team News
Long-term absentees Andriy Yarmolenko and Carlos Sanchez remain in recovery and are expected to be back only in April. Winston Reid and Fabian Balbuena are also not scheduled to return for at least another month. Aaron Cresswell remains a doubt as well.
New signing Samir Nasri is to miss one more week while he gets back to full fitness while Manuel Lanzini and Jack Wilshere are not in consideration. Marko Arnautovic is still a doubt after picking up a foot problem. He is to face a late fitness test to see if he can play.
Probable West Ham United XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
GK – Lukasz Fabianski
Has been declared fit to play against the Reds after suffering a minor elbow problem. He will be crucial if the Hammers are to take any points from this.
RB – Pablo Zabaleta
The Premier League veteran has won the competition before and that experience while defending will be key in a game of this magnitude.
RCB – Issa Diop
He has started 22 of the 24 league games that have passed so far and is one of the main reasons why West Ham are where they are right now.
LCB – Angelo Ogbonna
With Balbuena’s unfortunate long-term injury, Ogbonna has slowly cemented his place in the first team and hasn’t done too badly.
LB – Arthur Masuaku
The Frenchman has started 14 league games this season and has already shown his capabilities. In Cresswell’s absence, he has done justice.
RDM – Mark Noble
The experienced Premier League veteran will be crucial in the midfield for the Hammers with his quick passing and distribution. He will act as the link between the defence and the attack.
LDM – Declan Rice
This prodigious youngster has been a revelation in the midfield for West Ham this season and even scored the winner against Arsenal a couple of weeks ago
RAM – Michael Antonio
The pacy forward has been utilised in an attacking midfield position recently and has done well, using his immense running power and crossing ability.
CAM – Robert Snodgrass
Probably his last game in the starting line-up for a while, Nasri’s injury will ensure that he does start the game against Liverpool at the weekend.
LAM – Felipe Anderson
The player who arrived in the summer with massive expectations on his shoulders, Anderson has won over the Hammers faithful with his impressive displays and goals.
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ST – Andy Carroll
In line to start against his former club, thanks to a slight knock to Arnautovic. Carroll could take advantage of his height against Liverpool and help the Hammers pull off a surprise win.
