West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool team predicted to face Sunderland in the Premier League at Anfield.
Liverpool are aiming to show that they’re over their wretched run of form when they welcome Sunderland to Anfield on Wednesday (20.15 GMT).
Many feel that the Reds’ Premier League title defence is already over after a run of nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions - and six losses in seven top-flight games. As a result, Liverpool are nine points behind leaders Arsenal and it is a gap that may be too big to bridge.
But the title race is the last thing Arne Slot is thinking about. His focus will be on a game-by-game basis as he aims to convince everyone he is the right man to be Liverpool’s head coach. The dire results have meant that Slot’s position has come under scrutiny.
The Reds did bounce back with a convincing 2-0 triumph at West Ham last time out. But Liverpool still need to do a lot more to show they are over their blip and face a difficult task against a Sunderland side who have been the Premier League’s surprise package following promotion.
Ahead of the clash, here’s a look at how Liverpool could line-up.
GK - Alisson Becker
Didn’t have a shot to save at West Ham but the Brazil international will know he might be in for a busier evening.
RB - Curtis Jones
Plenty of fans will hope to see Joe Gomez keep his spot after a fine performance at West Ham. But with Liverpool having two away games coming up, Slot might opt to keep Gomez for those. With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong still out, it could be Jones who has to deputise.
CB - Ibrahima Konate
The France international was better against West Ham and he needs to find a run of consistency.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
Would have taken pride from the fact that West Ham failed to register a shot on target and that is the standard he will continue to demand.
LB - Andy Robertson
Milos Kerkez was forced off with cramp at West Ham after playing three games in eight days. It makes total sense for Robertson to come back into the XI.
CM - Ryan Gravenberch
Looked much like his usual self against the Hammers. There are few midfielders better than Gravenberch in the Premier League when he’s on top form.
CM - Dominik Szoboszlai
Played out of his favoured position yet again at West Ham as he operated on the right-hand side of midfield. But he may well be moved back to his favoured role on the flank.
RW - Mo Salah
The big talking point ahead of the game is whether Salah will be restored to Liverpool’s line-up. As it is a home game, the Reds can afford to have someone who doesn’t work as hard out of possession and he will undoubtedly have a point to prove if he does feature.
AM - Florian Wirtz
Delivered his best performance since his summer arrival at West Ham and the £100m summer signing now needs to build momentum.
LW - Cody Gakpo
Notched himself a goal and assist against the Hammers. While Gakpo can be frustrating at times, there is no denying that he has a few big moments in every game.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
Slot may be tempted to continue with Isak after getting his Premier League account running. But the £125m British record signing had some cramp the day after West Ham and Liverpool will still want to be cautious.
Mamardashvili, Gomez, Kerkez, Endo, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Chiesa, Ngumoha, Isak.
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