The prospect of facing Premier League leaders Liverpool is daunting enough for West Ham and they must do it without a host of key players.
Julen Lopetegui somehow came through his latest must-win game when West Ham undeservedly beat Southampton 1-0 on Boxing Day.
Meanwhile Liverpool continued their assault on the title as they came from behind to beat Leicester 3-1.
The Hammers could and should have been beaten comfortably by the rock bottom Saints.
West Ham give up more chances at their goal than any other Premier League team.
It was only by virtue of Southampton missing a host of golden chances that the Irons were let off the hook.
West Ham will not be afforded such luxuries by rampant Liverpool.
So the last thing the Hammers need is several key players missing for the clash with the Reds.
After the win over Saints, Lopetegui confirmed five players would likely miss the Liverpool game.
The Spaniard said he is ‘not optimistic’ about a shoulder injury sustained by Max Kilman.
Although a club spokesman has since told Hammers News West Ham hope Kilman’s injury is ‘not too serious’.
Lopetegui said goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski suffered a concussion which will mean he has to sit out for at least six-10 days.
Lopetegui hands star shock first league start against Liverpool
Midfielder Carlos Soler went off with a knee injury at half-time and is a major doubt.
Meanwhile Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez are both unavailable due to suspension.
The Hammers would have a job on to contain Liverpool with all their top players available and firing.
So to be potentially missing as many as five players is a huge concern.
The manager may well change the shape and personnel to try and grind out an unlikely result.
We think Lopetegui will hand star a shock first league start of the season as one of five West Ham changes for Liverpool.
Alphonse Areola will come back in from the start to replace Fabianski if he is forced to sit out due to concussion protocol in change number one.
With Kilman likely out, former Liverpool target Jean-Clair Todibo returns to the starting line up in change two.
Rodriguez will be replaced by Edson Alvarez in change three.
Cresswell could be one of five West Ham changes vs Liverpool
Lucas Paqueta returns from his own one-game ban and will replace Soler in change four.
But change five for the Liverpool game is the interesting one.
We think veteran defender Aaron Cresswell will come in for his first Premier League start of the season, taking Soucek’s place on the teamsheet.
That’s so Lopetegui can switch to a back five to try and keep Liverpool at bay.
It means Crysencio Summerville – who was allegedly wanted at Liverpool by fellow Dutchman Slot in the summer – will have to make do with a place on the bench yet again.
Cresswell will be deployed as the left centre-back alongside Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Liverpool without Kilman:
Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Cresswell, Emerson, Alvarez, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen, Fullkrug.
If Kilman is somehow risked for the game then West Ham may still play five at the back, but it will mean no surprise start for Cresswell – and just four changes instead.
Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Liverpool with Kilman:
Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Alvarez, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen, Fullkrug.
West Ham vs Liverpool is live on Sky Sports – kick-off 5.15pm.
The official team will be announced at 4pm.
Related Posts
