Liverpool vs West Ham

KO 5.30pm

Anfield

Sky Sports Main Event

31st of October 2020

Liverpool will aspire to win their fourth game on the bounce in all competitions, as the Reds welcome West Ham to Anfield on Saturday.

The champions enjoyed a 2-0 victory over FC Midtjylland mid-week while, the Hammers held Manchester City in a 1-1 draw in the league.

In previewing tomorrow’s game, I thought I would pick my starting XI to face the Irons, and also give my score prediction.

Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Williams, and Robertson

The Red’s defensive woes continue after Fabinho was forced off through injury in the first half against FC Midtjylland. Jurgen Klopp may well give Rhys Williams his first league debut, with Joel Matip still sidelined. Williams partnered Gomez on Tuesday evening, and the 19-year old did not look out of place in Liverpool’s XI.

The backline could be one of Liverpool’s most youthful defences, that the Anfield outfit has fielded. With the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold who will make his 100th Premier League appearance for the club tomorrow, and Joe Gomez featuring in the Reds backline.

Midfielders: Henderson, Wijanaldum, and Milner

Klopp may be tempted to deploy Henderson in Liverpool’s defence, but injury woes in midfield could force the manager to keep his captain in his preferred position.

Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all missing, but there is a welcome return for Dutch midfielder Georgino Wijnaldum, who is available for selection.

James Milner looks set to reprise his role in the starting line-up, and Liverpool will be counting on his experience against West Ham, who have already enjoyed upsetting the party this season.

They managed a brilliant comeback against Tottenham, scoring three late goals in a 3-3 draw.

Forwards; Salah, Firmino, and Mane

With so much change behind them, Liverpool’s attack will most likely remain the same, to avoid any further complications for the Reds.

The formidable attacking threesome were all benched midweek, which all but guarantees their inclusion this weekend. This tried and tested trio strikes fear in any defence, and has been one of the main catalysts for the success of the champions in the last two years.

Sane has already got seven goals this season, leading Salah who is on four whilst Firmino is lagging on one.

The Senegal international enjoys playing against the Hammers- scoring in each of the last four matches he has faced them.

My Score Prediction: 2-1

History would predict, a Liverpool victory. The Reds are unbeaten in six of the last seven meetings against West Ham, with a late Mane goal in a 3-2 win for Klopp’s men in February.

But, with a Hammer’s side certainly on the rise and Liverpool’s growing injury list, a major concern for Klopp, this will be a tough test for the Reds. This West-Ham team has made a habit of taking points from big sides recently, and Liverpool will be wary of this.

With regards to the Hammers, David Moyes will be forced to play without 30-year old Michail Antonio after he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Even with Liverpool’s injury woes and an unforgiving fixture list, I still think the champions will have enough quality and squad depth to get over the line.

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