Jurgen Klopp will demand a response from his Liverpool troops when they face West Ham United in the Premier League.
The Reds travel to the London Stadium with their Premier League title hopes shattered. An abject 2-0 loss against Everton in the Merseyside derby means that being crowned champions now looks well out of question.
Yet Klopp will scarcely want such a meek ending to his time as Anfield boss. With four games to go, he’ll want to bow out as high as possible. What’s more, Liverpool have still to secure Champions League qualification for next term and still need five points to do so.
Given the manner of the defeat by Everton, Klopp will surely make changes to his team against West Ham. Too many of his troops underperformed and there will be players in the Reds’ squad who feel they deserve a chance to impress.
Ahead of the clash, here’s the Liverpool team predicted to face West Ham.
1. GK – Alisson Becker
Very much been first choice since his return to fitness.
2. RB – Joe Gomez
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance against Everton was well below expectations and he may need a breather after playing several games since coming back from injury.
3. CB – Jarell Quansah
Ibrahima Konate was all over the place against Everton and replaced by Quansah in the second half. The youngster may now be in line to return to the line-up.
4. CB – Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s captain questioned the desire of his team-mates after the Everton loss. He needs to stand up and be counted.
LB – Kostas Tsimikas
Andy Robertson seemed to tire in the second half of the derby and that could see Tsimikas make a rare start.
6. CM – Wataru Endo
Finished the 3-1 win over Fulham last weekend strongly and perhaps surprisingly rested against Everton. Likely to shield the back four again.
7. CM – Ryan Gravenberch
Impressed against Fulham last week and perhaps harshly lost his starting spot against Everton. He deserves another chance.
8. CM – Harvey Elliott
Been one of Liverpool’s most effective players this season and made an impact against Everton.
RW – Mo Salah
The Egypt international is seriously struggling for form of late but Klopp may not lose hope with his talisman.
10. ST – Cody Gakpo
The Dutchman has been in decent form lately and could well have been in line to start the derby had it not been for the birth of his child. If available, he must come back into the team.
11. LW – Luis Diaz
About the only player who had a decent go against Everton and was unlucky not to have scored when he rattled the post.
