Predicted Liverpool lineup vs West Ham: Forward DROPPED as Slot forced into decision

Liverpool endured a hard-fought battle against Leicester City on Boxing Day, eventually running out 3-1 winners.

Leicester took the lead early on, but Liverpool were too strong and ended up dominating the second half.

A couple key players stood out which might dictate Arne Slot’s decision for the Reds next clash against West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon (5.15pm, Sky Sports).

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As mentioned last week, 3 Liverpool players are still one yellow card away from suspension - Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Darwin Nunez and with a derby against Manchester United at Anfield a week later, this may affect Slot’s choices this weekend.

However, Dominik Szoboszlai picked up his yellow card meaning he is suspended for this game at the London Stadium, a damaging loss for a player who has looked sharp in the past couple of weeks.

Here is how we think the line-up will look on Sunday.

GK: Alisson Becker

Was a bit of a pedestrian against Leicester after we conceded the goal, will be hoping for a clean sheet in a tough away fixture.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Was at the heart of a resilient team performance on Thursday, oozed class throughout. With Conor Bradley’s injury, Trent cements his position. Let's hope the reports from Marca are untrue of his imminent departure.

CB: Joe Gomez

Again, a solid performance from a man who has gained extreme confidence since being called back into the side. Didn’t have to do much on Boxing Day, but his solidity eases Liverpool fans' minds.

CB: Virgil van Dijk

Just an incredible servant for the club. His leadership is next to none and we will be hoping he leads us to a win in our last game of 2024.

LB: Kostas Tsimikas

Surprised Kostas didn’t start against Leicester on Thursday. Andy Robertson has regained a little bit of credence in the last couple of games following some sub-par performances, but I think it's time he gets a rest and our Greek scouser returns to the fray.

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

The man is just everywhere on the football pitch. Not his strongest performance against Leicester but still showed shades of what he has produced this season. A guaranteed starter but may be taken off early in the second half due to his suspension looming.

MF: Alexis Mac Allister

Phenomenal performance from the Argentinian on Thursday providing two assists and completing 90% accurate passes. A man who never gives up he always seems to be red faced come the end of his time on the pitch, a mark of his hard work.

MF: Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones strong performance against Leicester showed fans that the Liverpool midfield has completely evolved in the past year. His goal was well taken and fully deserved after a fluid move from the Reds. Dominik Szoboszlai came on and replaced him with ten minutes to go but picked up a yellow card meaning he is suspended for this match, hence Jones inclusion.

LW: Cody Gakpo

The man shows no signs of slowing down. Got us back into the game with a crucial equaliser on Thursday, he seems to step up when others are unable too. Full of energy and looking to pierce defences 24/7.

RW: Mohamed Salah

Even when Mo doesn’t have his best game, he still finds a moment of magic. That goal against Leicester was the epitome of class. His 16th in the Premier League this season, the man is reaching indescribable heights.

ST: Luis Diaz

This was a tough one. It was between Diaz and Diogo Jota as I think Nunez is now out of the picture due to his lacklustre performances. Believe Diaz will get the nod due to him being fully rested on Thursday. Slot will go with something similar to the Spurs line-up and the threat of Diaz will be the catalyst, Jota will of course get minutes in this game.

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