Liverpool’s schedule reveals no indicators of relenting as they journey to West Ham on Sunday for his or her ultimate sport of 2024, however Arne Slot is armed with choices to select from.
The Reds closed off their calendar yr at Anfield on a profitable notice, pressured to return from behind to raise the fog of their 3-1 win over Leicester.
It was not Liverpool’s most eye-catching efficiency underneath Slot, however three factors added to the tally is all that issues because the Reds goal to retain or construct on the hole to their challengers.
West Ham pose a distinct problem on Sunday and they are going to be with out a number of key gamers for the fixture – that isn’t to say Liverpool can underestimate the aspect in thirteenth.
So, how may Slot line up his aspect within the capital? Let’s have a look.
Workforce Information
Liverpool’s squad stays in a wholesome state heading into this conflict, however Slot remains to be with out a handful of gamers:
Liverpool’s XI vs. West Ham
Though Liverpool’s squad is basically wholesome, there are few positions up for grabs once we have a look at how Slot may arrange his aspect towards West Ham.
As Luis Diaz didn’t play a single minute towards Leicester in midweek, it’s onerous to see him begin from the bench once more, that means Darwin Nunez would drop out of the XI.
Szoboszlai was pencilled in to start out after coming off the bench towards the Foxes, however now Curtis Jones has one other alternative to take Slot’s recommendation and “be excellent towards West Ham.”
With per week between this match and the subsequent, there’s a determination to be made as as to if Andy Robertson will get the nod for the third time in per week or if Kostas Tsimikas is available in.
It’ll all come down as to if the Scot wants a break after enjoying 176 minutes throughout the final two video games:
Defence stays unchanged for third sport in a row
Jones retained in midfield in absence of Szoboszlai
Diaz returns to the ahead line rather than Nunez
That is how Liverpool may line up:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
If Slot have been to as an alternative have a look at the brief turnaround between Leicester and West Ham as an alternative of the week between the latter and Man United‘s go to, his choice decisions may range.
Tsimikas would definitely come into consideration after enjoying 49 minutes since his harm return, injecting recent legs at left-back with Robertson displaying he can now not persistently maintain his excessive ranges.
Slot defined pre-match that Liverpool are “nonetheless managing” Jota’s health and thus a begin might come too early, which may but see Nunez chosen forward of Gakpo by advantage of enjoying fewer minutes of late.
The abovementioned XI is the likeliest eventuality, however a minimum of Slot has choices for any eventuality, together with Jota, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo and Jarell Quansah.
These two teaks to the lineup would seem like this:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz, Nunez
Though Robertson carried out admirably on Boxing Day, asking him to again up for a 3rd time in per week when Tsimikas is match could also be asking an excessive amount of of the 30-year-old.
Slot, nevertheless, has lately proven he’s content material to take action having lately performed the Scot for the complete 90 minutes throughout six successive video games – so we are able to’t depend it out.
Both manner, the Reds should have a powerful sufficient XI and choices off the bench to get the specified outcome on Sunday and finish 2024 on a excessive.
