The next challenge for Liverpool to conquer is a Sunday Premier League match with David Moyes and his strong West Ham side. It will be no walk in the park if the Reds don’t come out locked in.
Liverpool are coming off another win, this time in European competition. That is now 5 consecutive wins across all comps for the Reds. However, the fashion of these wins is not an ideal one.
Consistently falling behind early and having to battle back is not something that Jurgen Klopp will want to see a lot of going forward. Especially against a side of West Ham’s quality.
If you spot the Hammers a goal and give them confidence, they have the talent throughout their squad to punish you.
Former Liverpool target Jarrod Bowen has been in fine form this term on the right side of the West Ham midfield. He has 3 goals already and will force Andy Robertson to be on his toes at all times.
If he keeps up this level of play, perhaps he could be a player the Reds look at once again to bringing to Anfield? On this form I would not mind one bit. Another matchup to look for is the powerful Michail Antonio through the middle against the likes of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil Van Dijk.
The defense will need to be switched on from the get go as he can pounce on any loose mistakes at the back.
West Ham are a rock solid Premier League side. They might not be the flashiest of opponents but you know what you are getting when you step on the pitch. They are going to work their socks off and make sure you do as well or they will punish you.
This is a match that Liverpool can send a real statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League. If they can come out with a comprehensive victory it would be a real flag stamping moment.
Klopp will want the lads fired up in front of a raucous Anfield crowd that has been thirsting for the Reds to return home following a long international break.
I expect the strongest XI possible to be fielded. However, I do think he will start Cody Gakpo over Darwin Nunez after the Uruguayan emptied his tank on Thursday in a great performance against LASK.
This is a match made for the stars in the side such as Mo Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz. The return of a healthy Trent Alexander-Arnold would also be most welcome.
It’s not going to be handed to them, but Liverpool are more than capable of making an example out of West Ham if they take it serious from the beginning. If things go well, Top 4 credentials might turn into title credentials.
We shall see come late Sunday. Up the Reds.