After a positive week for Liverpool off the pitch, attention turns back to matters on it as the Reds host West Ham in the Premier League.
With Mohamed Salah’s future secure and Virgil van Dijk looking as though he won’t be far behind in putting pen to paper on a new contract, thoughts turn back to the charge for the title. Even before they’ve kicked a ball, Arne Slot’s men have moved another step closer to being crowned champions.
Arsenal’s draw with Brentford on Saturday means the Reds are now a maximum of just nine points away from the title, and a win today could potentially leave them just a week away from winning the title. Before they can start thinking about that though, Slot has some big decisions to make with his side against West Ham.
Liverpool has a superb recent record against the Hammers, having scored five goals on two separate occasions against them already this season. With Graham Potter now at the helm, the visitors should present more of a challenge on this occasion, and some players may have a key role to play.
Alisson Becker looks set to reclaim his spot in goal after serving the concussion protocols following his nasty injury while on international duty with Brazil. Barring any more knocks for Liverpool’s No.1, that means Caoimhin Kelleher might well have played his final game for the club, with a summer exit looking likely.
(Image: 2025 Harry Murphy – Danehouse)
The Reds’ defenders didn’t cover themselves in glory at Fulham last weekend, and there will no doubt be a temptation from Slot to make some changes in his back four. Conor Bradley looks the most likely to come into the side at right-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez still out injured.
Jarell Quansah could be in contention to replace Ibrahima Konate, although we’re going to stick with the Frenchman for the time being. Another below-par display though might well see the academy graduate come back into consideration.
Van Dijk and Andy Robertson retain their places, as do Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield. There could be another change further up the field though.
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Dominik Szoboszlai certainly looked as though he could do with a rest last week, so with Bradley back at right-back, we’d be putting Curtis Jones in the No.10 position to offer some support to Salah, who will no doubt get a rapturous reception from the Anfield crowd.
Who starts alongside him in attack is an interesting subject, and we would like to see Federico Chiesa finally make a start in the league. However, we don’t think Slot will stray too far away from what he’s shown so far in his tenure.
Therefore, we think Cody Gakpo may keep his place on the left, while Luis Diaz is rewarded for his performance off the bench last week with a start in the No.9 role, replacing Diogo Jota.
Predicted Liverpool line-up vs West Ham: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz.
