Paul Merson believes Harvey Elliott should start for Liverpool this weekend when the Reds host West Ham United. It means dropping a far more senior player.
It’s back to the Premier League for Liverpool this weekend after success across the domestic cup competitions. And what success it was – the EFL Cup trophy and a first FA Cup Quarter-final under Jurgen Klopp.
Now it’s Liverpool vs West Ham United and Klopp has some big decisions to make. His deep squad is quite tired, with a game against Inter following next week. Thiago’s injury asks midfield questions, in particular – who should fill the gap?
Paul Merson believes he has the answer – Liverpool should start Harvey Elliott.
“Liverpool have a lot of options in midfield, but against West Ham, I’d pick Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Harvey Elliott,” he told SportsKeeda. “The 18-year-old is a bright young player and can pick a pass, I really like what I’ve seen from him so far.
“You don’t need three defensive-minded players, so I’d pick Elliott to play alongside the two experienced campaigners.”
Harvey Elliott could start for Liverpool vs West Ham
Elliott came off the bench on both Sunday and Wednesday, so it’s in the air whether he’s fit enough to start here. It’s very possible he is – but it’s understandable if Klopp wants him to rest a bit.
Honestly, it all depends on what Liverpool want to do against Inter. Henderson, for instance, started on twice this week – there’s a good chance Klopp keeps him in reserve for the Scudetto holders.
If everyone’s fit and raring to go, then we’d support what Merson is saying here. Drop Keita for the weekend from the first-XI and bring in the oustanding Elliott for a really solid mix alongside Fabinho and Henderson.
We suspect £53m Keita will play, though, and possibly alongside Elliott. Those two and Fabinho, in fact, may well be the midfield we see.
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