Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs. West Ham United as Arne Slot looks to continue winning run

Liverpool face off against Nuno’s West Ham on 28th Feb

Liverpool head into their clash with West Ham United knowing the narrow 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest might prove important come the end of the season, but performances need to improve quickly if they are to stay on track for Champions League qualification.

Alexis Mac Allister’s late winner kept the Reds moving forward, yet the display itself was far from convincing, and there is a growing sense that grinding out results will not be enough as the run-in intensifies. With rivals picking up points around them, every match now carries added weight, and Liverpool simply cannot afford any slip-ups.

Arne Slot is unlikely to make major changes from the side that edged Forest, partly through necessity and partly through continuity. Injuries have limited his options in key areas, particularly in defence, meaning the same core group of players stands expected to take the field again.

The Forest win showed resilience but also exposed areas that need improvement, especially in midfield creativity and attacking sharpness, and this next game offers a chance to respond.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup against West Ham

Goalkeeper and Defence: Alisson, Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson

Alisson stands set to continue in goal behind a centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, which remains Liverpool’s strongest defensive combination. At left-back, Milos Kerkez has generally been Slot’s preferred option. But this could be a good opportunity for Andy Robertson to come back into the starting lineup after appearing as a late substitute against Forest. Robertson’s experience and delivery could be useful against a West Ham side that often defends deep.

Right-back remains a problem area with both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong unavailable, which means Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to continue filling in despite it not being his natural role. Slot has shown little trust in Calvin Ramsay, and Szoboszlai’s athleticism and work rate at least provide a functional solution even if it limits Liverpool creatively in advanced areas.

Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones

The midfield trio could be the same – Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones. Mac Allister arrives full of confidence after scoring the winner at Forest and continues to be Liverpool’s most reliable midfield presence, while Gravenberch’s ball carrying gives the team forward momentum. Jones, however, needs a strong performance after a disappointing display last time out.

The late withdrawal of Florian Wirtz handed him an unexpected start, and he failed to impose himself, which was frustrating precisely because expectations around him are so high. If Wirtz is fit, he could return, but if not, Jones has to raise his level.

Attack: Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike

Up front, it has to be Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike despite all three experiencing a lean spell in front of goal. Liverpool’s attacking line has looked short of sharpness in recent weeks,, and this is the moment when their main forwards need to rediscover form. With the season entering a decisive stretch, goals from the front three could make the difference between securing Champions League football and falling short.