After beating Nottingham Forest 3-2, Liverpool might be hoping to increase their profitable run in additional simple trend, as they go to West Ham.
West Ham United vs. Liverpool
Premier League (32) | London Stadium
April 26, 2023 | 7.45pm (BST)
Liverpool haven’t received three video games in a row since November.
Jurgen Klopp‘s facet have the prospect to alter that, as they go to the London Stadium to face a relegation-threatened West Ham.
The Reds are anticipated to win however, this season’s inconsistency has proven that nothing is assured with this Liverpool facet.
Right here’s all the things you want to know forward of West Ham vs. Liverpool.
1. Konate “constructive” however no Naby
There is only one recent damage concern to cope with within the lead-up to West Ham vs. Liverpool.
Ibrahima Konate was a slight doubt for the final couple of matches however performed each in full, and now the Frenchman is below the microscope once more.
On Konate’s health, Klopp mentioned: “We have to see how it’s with him however, in the meanwhile, I’m slightly constructive [for the West Ham match].”
In the meantime, the supervisor reiterated that Roberto Firmino received’t be concerned on this week’s fixtures, however there was higher information on Naby Keita.
“If all the things goes nicely right now [Tuesday], he [Keita] could possibly be in partial coaching right now. Not full coaching, his personal programme. A lot nearer,” mentioned the German.
2. Fabinho yellow threat
Fabinho has only one extra sport to keep away from a yellow card, to stop him from a two-game suspension.
If he’s booked in opposition to West Ham, the Brazilian would subsequently miss Liverpool’s residence matches in opposition to Tottenham and Fulham.
After Wednesday’s sport in opposition to the Hammers, nevertheless, Fabinho‘s playing cards might be wiped.
He managed to keep away from a reserving in opposition to Nottingham Forest however will probably be a tough job for the holding midfielder to keep away from being cautioned once more.
He’s picked up seven yellows in his final 10 matches.
3. Hammers on the mend
Total, it has been an underwhelming season for West Ham who lie thirteenth within the Premier League, simply six factors above the relegation zone, albeit with a sport in hand.
Issues have began selecting up in current weeks, although.
David Moyes’ facet have misplaced simply one among their final 10 matches and are on a excessive after knocking out Gent on their technique to the Europa Convention League semi-finals.
Final week additionally introduced a powerful 4-0 away win over Bournemouth with Declan Rice scoring for a second consecutive match, after a superb solo run.
4. Workforce information, might modifications beckon?
Having named the identical crew for 3 consecutive matches for the primary time since January 2020, Klopp is now prone to change issues up, given his crew have 4 video games in 11 days.
To what extent he’ll change is unclear however Klopp reaffirmed that coaching performances would play a giant half in his choice course of.
“It’s clear within the few classes we had, that the gamers should show themselves [that] they need to begin once more, and the others have to point out me they need to begin,” the supervisor mentioned.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Gakpo, Jota
5. “David has to remain!”
The West Ham supervisor’s job standing has come into query at instances this season, however he had one supporter even throughout his nadir.
Klopp defined one amusing purpose why he wished Moyes to stay in his submit, saying: “If West Ham would’ve sacked David Moyes, I might’ve been the oldest supervisor within the Premier League.
“I need to keep away from that. Any person instructed me earlier than the season I used to be the second oldest and since then I’ve fingers crossed for West Ham. David has to remain!”
Since 75-year-old Roy Hodgson took over at Crystal Palace, Klopp, 55, is now not the second-oldest supervisor within the league.
Don’t fear Jurgen, you’ve nonetheless bought the power of a youthful man!
6. Who’s the referee?
For the primary time this season, Larger Manchester-born Chris Kavanagh will take cost of Liverpool.
The final time he refereed Liverpool was in February 2022, because the Reds beat Leicester 2-0 at Anfield.
His assistants for this one are Simon Bennett and James Mainwaring, whereas Neil Swarbrick is the lead VAR.
In the meantime, Andy Davies might be on fourth official duties.
7. Jota is again up “to hurry”
It has taken some time, that’s for positive, however Diogo Jota lastly appears to be getting again to his finest.
Earlier than scoring twice in opposition to Leeds final week, the ahead went over a 12 months with out a objective, though that run was hampered by damage issues.
Since returning to type, Klopp has been stuffed with reward for the Portuguese, saying he’s now “again to hurry” and that he’s “an distinctive participant.”
The German added: “Diogo is an excellent good participant and might play in several positions. He’s not the tallest however is an excessive risk within the air and good with each toes and has the velocity.
“He had a extremely unhealthy damage this season and a nasty damage earlier than that. That saved him again – nothing else. His solely downside is the damage this season and he could be on greater than 4 targets.”
8. Extra information for Mo?
Targets are anticipated on the London Stadium, and Salah wants only one extra to equal John Toshack’s membership document of 10 targets in opposition to West Ham in all competitions.
The Egyptian’s subsequent objective will see him develop into equal fifth on the membership’s all-time league goalscorers checklist, becoming a member of Harry Chambers on 135.
Liverpool have overwhelmed West Ham 33 instances within the Premier League – in opposition to no crew have they received extra and a win on Wednesday will safe solely their second league double of the season (the primary got here vs. Newcastle).
At West Ham, the Reds have received 13 and misplaced 9 of 26 Premier League encounters, with 4 attracts.
9. The state of play
Liverpool are at present seventh within the Premier League, having performed a sport greater than Man United who’re fourth and 9 factors higher off.
The Reds’ possibilities of qualifying for the Champions League are slim. Nonetheless, they nonetheless have work to do in securing a Europa League place.
Ending fifth or sixth would do it, however seventh place would imply a spot within the Europa Convention League.
10. Comply with the match with TIA
West Ham vs. Liverpool is stay on BT Sport 2 with kickoff at 7.45pm (BST)
TIA’s matchday stay weblog might be up and working from 7.00pm, with Adam Beattie tasked with conserving you entertained and up-to-date.
Come on you Reds!
