Nunez starts & Klopp drops “monster” in predicted Liverpool lineup vs West Ham

Liverpool might want to put Sunday’s dour draw in opposition to Manchester United behind them and prepared themselves for the go to of West Ham United within the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, although the problems are beginning to mount for supervisor Jurgen Klopp.

Ryan Gravenberch was compelled off through the 0-0 Anfield encounter within the Premier League and is expected to be sidelined until the new year, compounding the absence of Alexis Mac Allister – who’s convalescing after a stamp from Sheffield United’s Vinicius Souza earlier in December penetrated the muscle.

Lengthy-term absentees Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcantara are nonetheless absent, and with first-placed Arsenal travelling to Merseyside on Saturday, Klopp must steadiness the workload at this significant festive interval.

With this in thoughts, Football FanCast predicts that Klopp might make five changes for the fixture in opposition to David Moyes’ aspect.

1
GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

Alisson has not been within the squad for both of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup matches this time period and it’s possible that Klopp will hold the religion in Caoimhin Kelleher, who has played nine times this term.

Whereas the Brazilian is indisputably Liverpool’s finest goalkeeper, Kelleher is a reliable backup and will likely be determined to show his price on a giant evening for the Reds, as they appear to maneuver one step nearer to reclaiming some silverware.

2
RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold

There’s a risk that Joe Gomez will deputise down the precise flank on Wednesday evening, however Klopp will wish to keep a first-team core all through his squad and Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely be amongst these prone to begin.

The 25-year-old has been the inventive fulcrum this season and has posted two goals and five assists throughout all competitions, with The Athletic’s James Pearce heralding his “sensational” capability.

3
CB – Jarell Quansah

Jarell Quansah will likely be anticipated to return to the beginning line-up to provide the £70k-per-week Ibrahima Konate, who has been described as a “monster” by author Charlotte Coates, a break forward of the competition in opposition to the Gunners on the weekend.

The 20-year-old broke into the primary staff within the early section of the present marketing campaign and appears like he might cement a beginning spot within the Reds staff sooner or later, each commanding and composed on the coronary heart of the backline.

With Joel Matip rupturing his ACL earlier this month, it is definitely a superb factor that the titan has emerged from the academy ranks.

4
CB – Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk will associate Quansah in entrance of Kelleher’s purpose to carry some expertise in opposition to the in-form Jarrod Bowen, who has scored ten league goals this season and located a house as West Ham’s centre-forward.

The Dutchman has been again to his imperious finest for the reason that summer time and will likely be essential in guaranteeing Liverpool reach establishing management.

5
LB – Kostas Tsimikas

With Andy Robertson nonetheless injured after dislocating his shoulder with Scotland in October, Kostas Tsimikas is prone to begin as soon as once more in opposition to West Ham.

The Greece worldwide has demonstrated enhancements lately however Robertson’s absence continues to be felt down the left channel.

6
DM – Wataru Endo

A shock £16m summer signing from Stuttgart, Wataru Endo has started the past three Premier League matches in Mac Allister’s absence and can possible anchor the midfield in midweek.

The Japan captain, aged 30, isn’t fairly the long-term successor to Fabinho’s place within the staff however he’s industrious and clever, and his power will likely be essential in stifling a proficient Hammers engine room.

7
CM – Harvey Elliott

Harvey Elliott lately claimed that he wishes to shake off the ‘super sub’ tag and begin enjoying from the outset within the Premier League with regularity, with the creativity and innovation that he brings one thing that has lacked within the Liverpool staff over current weeks.

Dominik Szoboszlai was abject in opposition to Manchester United and branded with a 4/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo’s Paul Joyce; he’ll possible begin in opposition to Arsenal however right here Elliott has a golden alternative to stake his declare to a extra distinguished function within the squad.

8
CM – Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones was pivotal to Liverpool’s late-season resurgence earlier than the summer time and began robust all through August and September, main Pearce to notice his “flying start“.

Suspension and harm have derailed his progress these days however he stays a crisp and energetic member of the midfield, along with his technical expertise essential to quelling the Hammers menace.

As per FBref, the Englishman ranks among the many high 2% of midfielders throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues over the previous 12 months for go completion, the highest 5% for assists, the highest 16% for tackles, the highest 14% for progressive carries and the highest 10% for profitable take-ons per 90.

9
RW – Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has only scored one goal from his previous 5 Premier League appearances however has 22 direct purpose contributions from 23 matches this time period and is definitely probably the greatest forwards on the earth.

He has additionally scored ten goals and supplied four assists from simply 13 video games in opposition to the Hammers, successful 11 occasions.

10
LW – Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo simply hasn’t actually acquired going within the Premier League this season, scoring twice from 15 appearances (seven begins) and creating simply 0.4 key passes per recreation.

He is been a sufferer of his personal versatility however should be unleashed on the left wing tomorrow; he is additionally scored in both of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clashes this season.

11
CF – Darwin Nunez

The great work that Darwin Nunez put in throughout the opening months of the season seems to have unravelled lately, with the Uruguayan presently without a goal in ten games.

He stays a livewire because the arrowhead, nonetheless, and Klopp maintains the assumption that the cogs will mix sooner somewhat than later.

It will be nice if he discovered a wealthy vein of type to cost his membership’s exploits over the rest of the gruelling winter interval.

Liverpool predicted line-up in full vs West Ham: (GK) Caoimhin Kelleher; (RB) Trent Alexander-Arnold, (CB) Jarell Quansah, (CB) Virgil van Dijk, (LB) Kostas Tsimikas; (DM) Wataru Endo, (CM) Harvey Elliott, (CM) Curtis Jones; (RW) Mohamed Salah, (CF) Darwin Nunez, (LW) Cody Gakpo.