Liverpool’s projected starting lineup against West Ham – Premier League

Once again, Liverpool managed to secure a Premier League victory without needing a strong first half.

An early goal from Jordan Ayew on Boxing Day saw the league leaders trailing against Leicester City, but there was little doubt that Arne Slot’s side would eventually find a way past the Foxes to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Cody Gakpo’s magnificent goal just before the break set the tone for a second-half onslaught, with a final score of 3-1 showcasing the attacking strength of Liverpool. Moving through the gears effortlessly is not an issue, particularly with Slot adjusting tactically to improve his team’s chances.

The Reds will be eager to finish the year on a high before Manchester United arrives to start 2025. They will face West Ham on Sunday afternoon, and here’s the lineup Slot might choose for the match in east London.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Liverpool came from behind to defeat Leicester on Boxing Day / Copa/GettyImages

GK:Alisson – The Brazilian has found clean sheets hard to come by since returning from injury, but Caoimhin Kelleher will only feature if Alisson faces another injury setback.

RB:Trent Alexander-Arnold – The full-back was relentless in his efforts to assist teammates at the back post on Boxing Day, particularly in the first half, before Liverpool adjusted their strategy after the break. Slot will be cautious with Alexander-Arnold after he played the full 90 minutes on Thursday, but Conor Bradley is still unavailable.

CB:Joe Gomez – Ibrahima Konate will reclaim a starting spot when he is available, but Gomez is proving to be a reliable deputy, just as he did last season.

CB:Virgil van Dijk – Ayew’s goal on Boxing Day deflected off Van Dijk’s boot, but he otherwise had little to do as Liverpool dominated Leicester for most of the match. Jarrod Bowen’s energy will pose a challenge for the Dutchman on Sunday.

LB:Kostas Tsimikas – Andy Robertson has played heavily over the past month, and many consider him to be the weakest link in Liverpool’s squad. Slot is likely to rest the Scotsman and bring Tsimikas back into the starting lineup.

CM:Ryan Gravenberch – A consistent presence at the base of midfield, Gravenberch has arguably been the Premier League’s top-performing midfielder this season, and Slot will be hesitant to rest him here.

CM:Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool are at their best when Mac Allister excels in his central midfield role. He is the mastermind behind the team, but he has also contributed in the final third occasionally.

RM:Mohamed Salah – While Salah wasn’t at his best on Boxing Day, he still delivered for Fantasy Premier League managers (especially those who captained him) by scoring Liverpool’s third goal. Inevitably, he had an impact.

AM:Curtis Jones – Jones was outstanding against Leicester and continues to be a crucial member of the squad. With Dominik Szoboszlai suspended, this selection is a straightforward one.

LM:Cody Gakpo – Gakpo’s stunning curler sparked Liverpool’s momentum against Leicester, and the Dutchman is thriving on the left flank.

ST: Luis Diaz – Darwin Nunez’s frustrating performances suggest a change up front, and Diaz, who has impressed in a false nine role this season, was an unused substitute last time.