Liverpool and West Ham kick off 2016 at Boleyn Ground, Rush The Kop predicts the XI that will line up for Liverpool.
Ah, the first few days of a new year. Hope is the operative word.
Liverpool are still hopeful for top four, just five points off Tottenham in fourth. The hope for a trophy is still real. Liverpool are in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup, third round of the FA Cup and the round of 32 for the Europa League.
The new manager gives the team all sorts of hope. Conveniently aligned with the fresh new year is the optimistic personality that Klopp yields. Liverpool feel like a team that might just figure it out in the coming years and really rub elbows with the big boys in England again.
There’s individual hope as well. The players who were out of form in October have been rejuvenated with Klopp. The team is scoring goals and playing an attractive brand of football again.
Liverpool play West Ham to kick off 2016, both clubs would love to get the year started with three points.
As far as team news is concerned, James Milner and Divock Origi are still out with muscle problems. Daniel Sturridge will not be risked despite being fit as Klopp says it’ll be beneficial for the glass man going forward. And, disappointingly, a recurring heel injury keeps Jordan Henderson out for the first time since he returned.
Rotation will be key as the Reds are in the thick portion of their schedule, right in the middle of a blistering run. It’ll be unrealistic to ask the same 11 players to play each game.
Rush The Kop takes a crack at Liverpool’s predicted XI for their match against West Ham. 4-2-3-1.
Next: GK