Liverpool had a strong start to the season and were top of the Premier League for a while. However, last week’s surprise 4-3 loss to Bournemouth was a sudden setback. Currently, they are third in the Premier League table behind Chelsea and Arsenal. They welcome West Ham on Sunday at Anfield and would look to secure maximum points against Slaven Bilic’s side.
Jurgen Klopp has turned the team around with the attack jelling together well. However, the defence still needs some work as was evident in last week’s fixture where Liverpool squandered a two-goal advantage. Klopp is not someone who makes drastic changes to his side and Liverpool should start with a strong line-up.
Team news:
Phillipe Coutinho, who was in terrific form, was sidelined with a dreadful ankle injury and missed out last week’s game. He looks set to miss out a few more weeks as he continues his recovery from the injury. Daniel Sturridge, who sustained a calf injury, is also set to miss the match while Sadio Mane and Joel Matip are likely to return. Mane took a knock in the last match while Matip was out of action due to an ankle problem.
Here is the predicted Liverpool line-up to face West Ham on Sunday.
Formation: 4-3-3
Lloris Karius:
Karius should start the match despite a horrific performance last weekend. He is Klopp’s first choice keeper ahead of Simon Mignolet.
Nathaniel Clyne:
Liverpool’s most consistent player since arriving from Southampton. He is rock solid at the right back position and is a beast. Clyne will keep his place in the line-up.
Joel Matip:
Matip should make a return to the Liverpool defence. He missed out last week’s horror show through injury and should bring back some sanity in the Reds defence.
Dejan Lovren:
Lovren is still a long way from becoming a world-class defender but he is Klopp’s first-choice at Liverpool. He should start the match at Anfield on Sunday.
James Milner:
The versatile player has been performing well in the left-back position and has scored five goals already. He will be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Emre Can:
The German midfielder provides the balance in the Liverpool midfield. He has been effective since making his return from injury and should start the game.
Jordan Henderson:
Klopp’s captain has shown shadows of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. He will have to take the command of the midfield when the Reds face the Hammers.
Adam Lallana:
The English attacking midfielder was in top form at the start of the season before sustaining an injury. He started from the bench last weekend and should take Georgino Wijnaldum’s place.
Sadio Mane:
Mane has been incredible for Liverpool this season, scoring and making goals. The Senegalese winger should start on the right against West Ham.
Divock Origi:
This young Belgian has taken the opportunity and has scored in his last three games. Coutinho’s absence has not been felt and Origi will start.
Roberto Firmino:
The Brazilian has flourished in a new role. However, he has been forced to move to the left-hand side of the attack after Coutinho’s injury. He will start Sunday’s fixture.