Liverpool play at Anfield for the second time in four days as West Ham United visit on Saturday evening.
Every game is a big one for Liverpool at this stage of the season. The gap at the top of the Premier League is once again six points.
Jurgen Klopp’s side can close that to three tomorrow night. With the Manchester Derby to come on Sunday, a win here would put added pressure on Manchester City ahead of that awkward looking game.
The defeat to West Ham earlier in the season was one of only two games that Liverpool have lost all season. They’ll be keen to avenge it under the lights at Anfield.
Klopp was able to rest a number of first-team players as they beat Norwich City 2-1 on Wednesday night. With almost a week since the Carabao Cup final, some big-hitters should return against the Hammers.
Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Defence
It was great to see Alisson Becker make just his second appearance in the FA Cup mid-week. He made a super save late on to ensure extra time wasn’t needed. He’ll be between the sticks for The Reds tomorrow.
At right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will return after being given the night off against Norwich.
Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk also weren’t needed on Wednesday and will likely start together in defence.
Joe Gomez gave Klopp something to think about with a largely excellent game in the cup. But the 24-year-old, who the manager recently called ‘very special’ via Tribal Football, won’t play this one.
Kostas Tsimikas once again deputised brilliantly for Andy Robertson. But the Scot will be brought back to cope with Jarrod Bowen on West Ham’s right-hand side.
Midfield
Another of Klopp’s big guns to rest up on Wednesday night was Fabinho. He’ll be back tomorrow, no doubt.
Beside him in midfield, it would be a surprise not to see Naby Keita. The Guinean deserves the chance to build some momentum after a good performance in the Carabao Cup final.
Thiago is still injured, Jordan Henderson has started the last two games in quick succession and Curtis Jones picked up a knock against Norwich.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday so we think Harvey Elliott will come in for this one.
Attack
Klopp has options again in attack after the return to fitness of Diogo Jota. We think the manager will continue to build the 25-year-old’s match fitness by giving him another start here.
Mohamed Salah will look to add to his brilliant record against West Ham. Salah has scored nine goals against the East Londoners since joining Liverpool for £34m in 2017.
That’s level with Watford for the most he’s scored against any one team for The Reds.
After a brief cameo mid-week Sadio Mane will be fresh to complete the trio.
Luis Diaz should be saved to wreak counter-attacking havoc an Inter Milan side needing to attack Liverpool next Tuesday.
Liverpool predicted XI vs West Ham: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Elliott, Keita; Salah, Jota, Mane
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