Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool travel to London on Wednesday in order to take on West Ham United in the Premier League and they will be expected to pick up three easy points from this game.
The Reds go into this match with a 16 point lead at the top of the table meaning if they can win this game in hand then they will be 19 clear from Man City and will probably have one hand on the league trophy.
But having said that, Liverpool have looked a bit leggy during their past two league outings and they narrowly managed to escape a loss at the hands of Wolves last week.
So the manager will surely want his players to up their game in midweek in order to ensure that they can maintain the healthy lead which they have created at the top of the table.
Liverpool team news vs West Ham United:
Jurgen Klopp chose to rest most of his first-team regulars during the weekend’s FA Cup game vs Shrewsbury but almost all of them will return to action vs the Hammers.
Lovren and Matip paired up in central defence on Sunday but the duo will make way for Van Dijk and Joel Matip while Andy Robertson and Alexander-Arnold also return to their full-back duties.
Liverpool are still missing the likes of James Milner and Adam Lallana while Naby Keita might not be match-fit for the West Ham United match meaning Fabinho will have to start in defensive midfield after playing the full 90 minutes vs Shrewsbury.
With Fabinho back in the fold, Jordan Henderson is expected to play a bit further up the pitch where he can support the attackers.
Some reports claim Minamino could be handed a start by Jurgen Klopp at the London Stadium but we don’t think the manager will bring him into the fold after the January arrival played 85 minutes on Sunday vs Shrewsbury.
Sadio Mane picked up a thigh injury against Wolves last week and the forward is not expected to be fit in time to travel to London.
Hence in his absence, it should be Divock Origi who will have to fill in at the left-wing and it will surely be a tough ask since he too like Fabinho played the full 90 minutes on Sunday.
Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino came on as second-half subs in the FA Cup draw for Liverpool but the forwards will reprise their role in the starting XI against the Hammers.
