Changes Expected as Arne Slot Prepares his Liverpool Side for West Ham United Clash

After two huge victories over AC Milan and AFC Bournemouth last week, Liverpool’s attentions now turn to the Carabao Cup as they host West Ham United in the third round. It will be Arne Slot’s first taste of domestic cup action as the Reds look to defend their title that they won in Jurgen Klopp’s final season.

One major point of interest will be the Dutchman’s team selection, with many people expecting plenty of changes to the starting lineup. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at our predicted lineup for tonight’s game…

Plenty of Changes at the Back

Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in goal for this one and will look to build on his impressive performance against Bournemouth as Alisson Becker continues his recovery from a minor hamstring issue. Connor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas will also come into the side to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson as the two full-backs.

Slot is also expected to rest both of his first-choice central defenders and therefore opening the door for Joe Gomez to make his first appearance of the season. Youngster Jarell Quansah will have his first shot at redemption since his first half against Ipswich Town on the opening day.

Verdict: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas

Huge Opportunity in the Midfield

Liverpool wonderkid Trey Nyoni was missing from the Under-21’s squad against Harrogate Town last night, so is therefore expected to be involved in the squad in some capacity. However, I think a starting spot may just be out of his reach for this one but we could see him from the bench.

Wataru Endo is expected to come into the starting lineup after even missing out on the bench at the weekend. He will almost certainly be joined by Curtis Jones who has recently recovered from an injury sustained in pre-season.

The last midfield spot would naturally have gone to Harvey Elliott, but instead the likes of Tyler Morton and Nyoni will be eyeing a starting spot. In my opinion, Morton is the most likely to get that final midfield spot.

Verdict: Endo, Morton, Jones

Chiesa’s First Start?

In the front line, new signing Federico Chiesa is expected to come into the side for his first start for the Reds. Diogo Jota will join him in the front line after being replaced by Darwin Nunez against Bournemouth.

Cody Gakpo will also come back into the side after impressing against AC Milan last week and he will take Luis Diaz’s spot on the left-wing. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Diaz and Nunez will all be on standby if needed.

Verdict: Chiesa, Jota, Gakpo

Starting XI: Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas, Endo, Morton, Jones, Chiesa, Jota, Gakpo

Bench: Jaros, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Nyoni, Salah, Nunez, Diaz