The Liverpool XI Klopp must field vs. West Ham
Liverpool host West Ham this weekend hoping to overcome their surprising defeat to Bournemouth last weekend at the Vitality Stadium.
Despite the Reds leading 3-1, Jurgen Klopp’s side somehow managed to squander their advantage with just 15 minutes to go, to ensure they returned to Merseyside with nothing.
Injuries are starting to become a concern for the Liverpool manager who is seemingly struggling to cope with the absence of key personnel. However, at the moment, is there team Klopp would rather face than struggling West Ham?
The Hammers’ form has become somewhat of an embarrassment in recent weeks, and last Saturday’s humiliation further added to the speculation surrounding Slaven Bilic’s future.
With three points desperately needed for both sides, for different purposes indeed, the contest is set up to be an exciting affair.
With all this taken into consideration, this is the XI Jurgen Klopp must pick against West Ham on Sunday…
GK: Loris Karius
German goalkeeper Karius has received a lot of criticism following his shambolic display last weekend against Bournemouth.
His mistake lead to the Cherries securing all three points but Jurgen Klopp must keep faith with the ex-Mainz man.
Dropping the goalkeeper would further dent his confidence and Klopp must give the German at least one more go.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
The biggest criticism that could fall upon Liverpool at the moment is their shocking defensive frailties. Despite this, the one consistent performer in their backline remains Nathaniel Clyne.
The right-back provides the much-needed stability to a shoddy defensive line that continues to prove to be the team’s Achilles heel.
Klopp can always rely on Clyne and against West Ham, that shouldn’t change.
CB: Joel Matip
In recent weeks, Liverpool’s defence has looked much more effective with Joel Matip at the heart of it.
The Cameron international brought the best out of Dejan Lovren and his absence was significantly felt last weekend against Bournemouth.
Matip is expected to be fit for the Reds’ home encounter with the Hammers and could ensure Klopp’s defensive strategy is implemented on the field.
CB: Dejan Lovren
Alongside Joel Matip, Lovren looks like the player that shone so brightly at Southampton.
However, in the absence of the former Schalke defender, Lovren continues to be prone to mistakes that are costing Liverpool valuable points.
Lovren must try contain former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll who will be keen to prove a point to not only his current club but also his former side this Sunday.
LB: James Milner
Choosing between James Milner or Alberto Moreno must be a straightforward decision for Klopp now.
The Englishman has edged out the Spaniard, but another performance like witnessed on the south coast last weekend could significantly dent Liverpool’s title aspirations.
CM: Emre Can
The return to fitness of Emre Can has enhanced the quality of Liverpool’s midfield. Most notably, the German is contributing with more goals, as witnessed last weekend.
It’s not only the goals, but his overall performances have been sensational in recent weeks and against a West Ham midfield lacking confidence, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen ace must impose his style of play on the game.
CM: Jordan Henderson
He may not have been the most popular choice for Liverpool captain, but Jordan Henderson continues to lead by example.
His intensity has caused opposition midfielders to panic when in position, while his passing has been both effective and accurate.
CAM: Adam Lallana
An argument could be made for Adam Lallana being the Reds’ player of the season thus far. The midfielder’s absence was greatly missed following an injury he picked up on international duty with England.
Now as he returns to full fitness, Klopp will be hopeful Lallana can make an immediate impact, and where better to start than at home to the Irons this weekend?
RW: Sadio Mane
At Anfield, Sadio Mane has been in devastating form for his new club. The Senegal forward continues to prove his doubters wrong and has added pace, style and explosiveness to the Reds’ attack.
With Aaron Cresswell out of the match at Anfield, Mane could really hurt a Hammers’ backline-line that has shown enormous fragility in recent weeks.
LW: Roberto Firmino
In the absence of Philippe Coutinho, added pressure has been placed on the shoulders of compatriot Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian forward continues to prove his worth this season and his contribution cannot be understated. However, unlike before, Firmino must swap the central-striker role for a wider position with Coutinho absent.
A goal would end the drought Firmino currently finds himself in having not scored since the Reds’ victory over Crystal Palace in November.
ST: Divock Origi
The Belgian forward has scored three goals in three games following the injury to Coutinho. Unlike before, Origi now looks capable of becoming one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
Against West Ham, he has the chance to build on his recent goalscoring exploits by damaging the Irons.
Daniel Sturridge’s career looks over, especially with Origi’s recent form.