2 years ago
Following contrasting FA Cup results in midweek, title contenders Liverpool and top-four challengers West Ham United prepare for a Premier League showdown on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. GMT.
The Reds advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Norwich City on Wednesday night, while David Moyes' men were eliminated by Southampton.
Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino is still out with a muscle problem, but Thiago Alcantara could be ready to return from a hamstring injury against Inter Milan in the Champions League next week.
Curtis Jones is also a doubt after feeling a twinge in his thigh during the FA Cup win over Norwich, but Klopp should make plenty of substitutions after resting the majority of his EFL Cup-winning starting XI in midweek.
Jordan Henderson was able to play 60 minutes after starting at Wembley on Wednesday, but Naby Keita is ready to step in if Klopp decides to rest his captain ahead of the visit of the Nerazzurri.
Meanwhile, West Ham lynchpin Tomas Soucek required stitches after being elbowed by Ibrahima Diallo in Wednesday's loss to Southampton, but there is no reason to believe the Czech midfielder will not play at Anfield.
West Ham's defensive absentees are Vladimir Coufal, Ryan Fredericks, Arthur Masuaku, and Angelo Ogbonna, while Ukraine's Andriy Yarmolenko has taken some time off due to Russia's invasion of his homeland.
Moyes is unlikely to make many changes from the defeat at St Mary's, but Aaron Cresswell should be fit to replace Issa Diop, and Said Benrahma will push for a recall in the final third.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Keita; Salah, Mane, Diaz
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Johnson, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Bowen, Lanzini, Fornals; Antonio
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 West Ham United
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