Liverpool are in danger of bottling up in Premier League yet again after their frustrating draw with Southampton have brought them dangerously close to Arsenal, who are also challenging for the top 4. The Reds sit just five points ahead of them with a game more played and another faltering this weekend will pretty much pull it out of their hands.
The Reds visit the London Stadium to face West Ham United next, who would be high on confidence after a hard-fought win over Tottenham Hotspur last game. And given Liverpool’s away record against the Hammers, Jurgen Klopp won’t be the most optimistic of the two managers.
The Reds haven’t won in the last two league visits to the London side, and worse, they have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 visits to them. And if all competitions considered, Liverpool are winless in the last five fixtures against them.
Liverpool will only have relegation-bound Middlesbrough remaining after this, and a win here more or less seals their qualification chances.
Possible Liverpool XI Vs West Ham United
Defence
The position under the bar will be taken by Simon Mignolet. After a nervy start in England by Loris Karius, the Belgian had found some confidence between the sticks. He has conceded 30 goals in 26 outings and West Ham will be a tough challenge.
The back line is expected to remain unchanged going into this game. Liverpool were a wasteful lot against Southampton, and Klopp would hope they don’t commit the same mistakes again. The defence has looked quite assuring since the 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace for Liverpool and the manager should keep his trust on them.
The defensive flanks will be taken by James Milner and Nathaniel Clyne. Milner was the villain last game as he missed one from the spot, which would otherwise have seen them differently in the table now. The central defence will be taken by Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip.
Midfield
The three-man midfield is expected to feature Georginio Wijnaldum, Emre Can and Lucas Leiva. The pace of the trio helps Liverpool to burst up with ease and after losing the likes of Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson, this is the best Klopp has at the moment.
Attack
The front three positions will be taken by Roberto Firmino, Phillipe Coutinho and Divock Origi. Their agility and work rate will give Liverpool enough firepower from the wide areas, and Divock Origi spearheading the attack would expect more chances in front of the goal.
