Liverpool Make Eight Changes Ahead of West Ham Clash at Anfield
Liverpool are back at Anfield this afternoon on the back of two away wins, with Jurgen Klopp making eight changes to his side to face West Ham. Klopp sprang something of a surprise in midweek as he made 11 changes for the Europa League opener away to LASK, with his bench helping secure a comeback win.
Less of a shock is that the majority of the players rested have made their way back into the side for today’s Premier League clash. Alisson returns to the fold after Caoimhin Kelleher‘s stint between the sticks, with the Irishman expected to serve as cup goalkeeper.
Defence
With Trent Alexander-Arnold not yet fully fit, Joe Gomez starts at right-back with Andy Robertson back at left-back. Virgil van Dijk is retained at centre-back and Joel Matip comes in for Ibrahima Konate alongside the captain, with Alexis Mac Allister in as No. 6.
Midfield and Attack
The more attacking midfield roles are occupied again by Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones, with Ryan Gravenberch‘s bright display against LASK hampered by a late cramp. Mohamed Salah scored a record-equalling 42nd European goal in midweek and is back in the starting XI today, joining Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez in attack.
That leaves the likes of Gravenberch, Konate and Cody Gakpo on the bench at Anfield. Alexander-Arnold is not part of the squad as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem, while Stefan Bajcetic misses out after his first appearance since March in midweek.
Liverpool Lineup
Liverpool: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones; Salah, Diaz, Nunez
Substitutes: Kelleher, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo, Gravenberch, Elliott, Jota , Gakpo
West Ham Lineup
West Ham: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek, Ward-Prowse; Bowen, Paqueta, Antonio
Substitutes: Fabianski, Mavropanos, Ogbonna, Kehrer, Kudus, Benrahma, Fornals, Cornet, Ings
Preview
Liverpool will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce when they face West Ham at Anfield this afternoon. The Reds have been in good form since their opening day defeat to Aston Villa and have won their last two games away from home. Jurgen Klopp has made eight changes to his side for today’s game, bringing back the majority of players who were rested in midweek for the Europa League opener against LASK.
West Ham have had a mixed start to the season and will be looking to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Tottenham last time out. David Moyes’ side have been solid defensively but have struggled to find the back of the net in recent weeks. The Hammers will be hoping to take advantage of Liverpool’s defensive injury problems and get a result at Anfield this afternoon.
It should be an intriguing game between two sides who will be looking to get back to winning ways. Liverpool will be confident of getting the three points but West Ham will be looking to cause an upset and take something away from Anfield.