Few could have believed as Liverpool’s players trudged dejectedly off the pitch at Craven Cottage that there would be a sense of optimism around the team ahead of its next game.
That first-half display against Fulham was among Liverpool’s lowest moments of the season and the defeat ended the Reds’ long unbeaten Premier League run, compounded them to a third loss in four in all competitions and continues the worrying recent displays. None of the last six performances have been particularly impressive.
But any negativity has been banished thanks to this week’s news. Mohamed Salah is staying, Virgil van Dijk’s announcement is coming soon and suddenly the summer transfer window looks much less daunting. That Arsenal also slipped up on Saturday was another boost as the finish line draws ever closer.
Nine points are now needed to secure a record-equalling 20th top flight. It should be six by the end of Sunday after a West Ham United side, who haven’t won in four and have a woeful record at Anfield, makes the trip to Merseyside. A home victory and suddenly just six points are required, which means the title could be sewn up next week if Liverpool wins at Leicester and Arsenal loses to Ipswich Town.
Van Dijk, who should expect an extra special welcome by the home fans, has repeatedly called for focus in the final weeks. “It’s not done ‘til it’s done” has been the general message to his teammates, and he’ll know the importance of ending this season strongly, particularly ahead of a summer when the Reds are hoping to attract several transfer targets.
It’s why winning convincingly against West Ham is important even if there’s little jeopardy surrounding the fixture. Alisson’s return from a head injury will help in that regard. Caoimhin Kelleher is a more-than-adequate replacement, but he’s not at the same level as Liverpool’s no.1.
One of the big concerns at Craven Cottage was the ease at which Fulham attacked down Liverpool’s right flank as Curtis Jones filled in as a makeshift full-back. With Conor Bradley available again, Liverpool’s no.17 is unlikely to line up at right-back, and the team should have a more balanced and rounded feel to it with the Northern Irishman back.
(Image: 2025 Harry Murphy – Danehouse)
Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson should continue in defense despite several high-profile errors between them last week. Likewise, the midfield triumvirate of Ryan Garvenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai deserve to retain their places even if overall performances have dropped of late.
Salah, fresh from his extension, will be one of the first names on the teamsheet. West Ham are among his favorite opponents and a few more goals and assists could help him tick nearer a number of records he’s chasing in the final seven matches of the term.
Diogo Jota is also expected to start, even if he was off the boil again at Fulham, but there could be a change on the left wing. Cody Gakpo’s form has been drastically impacted by injury in the last two months and he doesn’t look sharp at present. In contrast, Luis Diaz was superb in last week’s win over Everton and made a huge impact after coming off the bench against Fulham.
Despite coming on in the 55th minute, he produced Liverpool’s highest expected goals and assists, had the team’s joint-highest number of touches in the box and, of course, scored the Reds’ second goal.
Diaz divides opinion and his performances have been up and down this term. But given he’s Liverpool’s most in-form attacker, Diaz deserves to be named in Slot’s starting XI.
