Liverpool Team News: Klopp Makes Key Calls on Wirtz and Frimpong as West Ham Clash Looms—Latest Injuries and Starting XI Revealed
Liverpool persist in their pursuit of Champions League qualification as they host West Ham United at Anfield this Saturday afternoon.
The Merseyside club secured a fortunate victory at Nottingham Forest last weekend when Alexis Mac Allister's dramatic late goal clinched a vital win that brought them level on points with fifth-place Chelsea. Securing a top-five finish should virtually guarantee participation in Europe's elite tournament this campaign.
The rejuvenated Hammers will present challenges for Liverpool, though expectations favor another three points for Arne Slot's team, who triumphed in the earlier meeting in late November.
Liverpool Anxious About Key Creative Player
Liverpool Anxious About Key Creative Player
Florian Wirtz's exceptional creativity was notably absent for Liverpool at the City Ground last weekend, with the German midfielder suffering a back injury during warm-ups after being initially selected in the starting eleven. Curtis Jones stepped in as an emergency replacement but couldn't replicate the impact of the temporary club-record acquisition.
Slot provided reassurance following the match, stating the injury wasn't severe and indicating Wirtz should be ready to face the Hammers, though Liverpool fans remain concerned.
Wirtz isn't the sole uncertainty for the fixture. Former Bayer Leverkusen colleague Jeremie Frimpong may return after missing five matches but is doubtful to start if included in the squad. Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo are confirmed unavailable for West Ham's arrival.
Liverpool Expected Formation vs. West Ham
Liverpool Expected Formation vs. West Ham
GK: Alisson—Despite erratic passing at Forest, Alisson delivered one vital early save to prevent Liverpool from falling behind.
RB: Dominik Szoboszlai—Liverpool's standout performer this season is misplaced at right-back, yet Slot deployed him there against Forest despite having Joe Gomez and Jones available. Frimpong's potential return should enable Szoboszlai to advance into more attacking positions soon.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—An authoritative figure since returning from personal leave, the French defender has rediscovered his best form at a crucial time for the Reds.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Following his goal against Sunderland and assist for Mac Allister's winner previously, West Ham must remain vigilant to prevent the imposing Dutch captain from scoring via set pieces.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Jarrod Bowen will surely test Kerkez, who has shown improvement since January but continues to appear uncertain in the left-back position.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Though not reaching last season's standards, Gravenberch maintains consistent performances in midfield despite excessive workload from his manager.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Now with three goals in six matches, Mac Allister provides signs of a welcome resurgence following a disappointing season thus far.
RW: Mohamed Salah—After showing promise with his FA Cup fourth-round performance, Salah returned to invisibility at Forest—a poor showing that warranted early substitution.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Assuming Slot's assessment proves accurate, Wirtz will make a welcome return to the attacking midfielder role. He's been Liverpool's primary creative outlet in recent weeks.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Calls for Rio Ngumoha to replace Gakpo are intensifying, particularly after the youngster's impressive substitute appearance last weekend, but Slot remains loyal to his fellow Dutchman. Gakpo urgently needs a goal against opposition he's netted six times in eight encounters.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Liverpool continue searching for ways to maximize Ekitiké's effectiveness against defensive setups, with the French striker likely facing a compact and well-organized Hammers backline.