West Ham United will entertain Liverpool at the London Stadium on Sunday night hoping to pick up a positive result and continue their strong run of form in the Premier League. Having won their last league matches against Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, both sides will be heading into the clash in high spirits looking to climb a few places in the points table.
David Moyes will probably opt for his usual 4-2-3-1 formation against the Reds; however, the Scottish tactician is expected to keep changes to a minimum for the upcoming home encounter.
Defence
Lukasz Fabianski will continue to operate in between the sticks for the Hammers. The Polish international has kept two clean sheets in his last four starts across all competitions and will be looking to add to his tally on Sunday.
Angelo Ogbonna will form his customary centre-half partnership with Craig Dawson at the heart of West Ham’s backline. The pair had some nervy moments against Roy Hodgson’s men earlier this week, so they’ll be determined to secure a clean sheet this time.
Vladimir Coufal is a guaranteed starter at the right-back spot whereas Aaron Cresswell will fill in on the other flank, as the left-back. With Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah up next, the full-backs will be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
Midfield
Tomas Soucek will continue to feature alongside Declan Rice in the holding midfield position, with the latter being assigned with more of a defensive role to shield the home side’s ‘back-four’. The Czech midfielder managed to net a brace against the Eagles and will be hoping to pick up from where he left off.
Said Benrahma will start in the attacking midfield position, thus completing the midfield trio. Having completed his permanent transfer this week, the Algerian international will be looking forward to putting up his very best against Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Manuel Lanzini will have to settle for a place on the bench but might come in the latter stages of the game if needed.
Attack
Manuel Lanzini will be accompanied by Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen on either side, playing on the left and right-wing respectively.
Michail Antonio will lead the line for the hosts this weekend. The 30-year-old has been in blistering form since returning from the injury, and he’ll be optimistic about capitalising on Liverpool’s woes at the back.
