Liverpool travel West Ham on Sunday for a match between two of the Premier League’s top five clubs going into the weekend.
While there is a sense that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been underperforming in recent weeks – at least until their midweek demotion of Tottenham – the same certainly cannot be said of the Hammers.
David Moyes’ side approach the weekend fixture with four successive league victories – a tally only bettered by league leaders Manchester City.
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During this streak, however, West Ham have not had to face a side with Liverpool’s quality, and while they have ground out victories away to Everton and Crystal Palace, this represents their biggest challenge by far.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have to be mindful of a busy week. Klopp must juggle his squad with three games in the space of seven days. Brighton at Anfield on Wednesday is followed by a critical match against Man City the following Sunday.
Four points off the league leaders, clearly next weekend’s showdown with Pep Guardiola’s side is the big one for Liverpool, yet they must ensure they win their other two fixtures.
Of course, the Reds’ issues at centre-back are well known. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both long-term issues, while Joel Matip went off with an ankle issue in midweek and will miss out. Fabinho is also sidelined.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson is likely to be asked to play centre-back again, with Nathaniel Phillips set to slot in beside him. Regulars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson will play the full-back roles.
In midfield, meanwhile, Liverpool are unlikely to see much need for change. Thiago, Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner should all feature.
Up front, it will be a familiar trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
Naby Keita and Diogo Jota are injured.
Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard could be handed a West Ham debut if his registration comes through in time.
Liverpool predicted XI against West Ham
Thiago Alcântara 
Jordan Henderson 
Mohamed Salah 
Roberto Firmino 
Sadio Mané 
West Ham 
Liverpool 
