Liverpool face West Ham next up in the Premier League as the defending champions look to keep their title defence on. Klopp will be expecting a relentless performance in the weekend but he hasn’t been helped by the injuries to his important players. The defensive fragilities Liverpool have is huge and the team will have to do very well to get past the troublesome period.
The likes of Van Dijk, Matip, Thiago, Keita, Fabinho and Oxlade Chamberlain are all still out with injury or still trying to get back to fitness. The defence will be a headache for Liverpool and Klopp as Rhys Williams is the only recognized centre-back left in the squad. West Ham isn’t one of the easiest sides to beat and when they get going, it is difficult to stop them.
Let us now take a look at how Jurgen Klopp might set his Liverpool side up against West Ham in the Premier League this weekend.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-3-2-1 might just be the safest option for Liverpool against West Ham, as both the centre-backs, Gomez and Williams are very young and inexperienced. They will surely need a calmer and an assured midfield in front of them, thus it is likely for Henderson and Wijnaldum to play as a double pivot. Both the midfielders are vastly experienced and have the defensive abilities to guide the centre-backs.
The attacking midfield role is likely to go to Roberto Firmino as the Brazilian thrives in the build-up. Salah and Mane will be expected to get the goals for Liverpool as the other midfield position might be taken by Curtis Jones, Shaqiri or Minamino. All three players have been good whenever they have been called into action, but it is Curtis Jones who is most likely to be selected.
The midfielders and the full-backs will have to work extremely hard as there won’t be Fabinho or Van Dijk to cover the spaces left by them in the transition. Henderson will have to play like a captain tomorrow and guide Liverpool.
THE 4-3-3
The general 4-3-3, that Liverpool generally use might be risky in such a game, with inexperienced young centre-backs, especially on the transition. The Reds usually attack from the flanks using their full-backs and their skills on the ball high up the pitch. Alexander Arnold and Robertson will have to be cautious and play within themselves a bit like a safe option for Liverpool.
Joe Gomez will also have to be in his A-game, as he will be the senior figure between him and Williams. The English centre-half will need to take responsibility in the heart of the Liverpool defence and play without making errors, which he is prone to. Klopp will expect his midfielders to be helping his defenders and attackers as well, as the front-three can’t be left alone, especially in a system that presses higher up the pitch.
West Ham are a big side and dwell on set-pieces when Antonio isn’t scoring goals from open play. Liverpool need to be very careful about not conceding too many set pieces in dangerous areas to give West Ham a chance to score.
