Liverpool likely XI v West Ham: Benteke & Allen both start

Posted by

The Echo have confirmed that Jurgen Klopp will rest players for Liverpool against West Ham ahead of the Premier League match with table-toppers Leicester City on Tuesday.

This means a number of squad players are likely to start, and few of those who completed 120 minutes against Stoke City in the League Cup semi-finals will play from the offset.

SEE MORE:
Shakhtar announce new, ridiculous price-tag for Alex Teixeira
Echo name six likely starters v West Ham, including Lovren & Caulker at centre-back

In goal, we think Simon Mignolet will continue, as he has been in all competitions recently. Danny Ward has ousted Adam Bogdan as no.2, but Mignolet needs matches, confidence and clean-sheets.

At the back Brad Smith should come in for the defensively shoddy Alberto Moreno and put more pressure on the Spaniard for a regular starting spot.

James Pearce of the Echo thinks Dejan Lovren will partner Steven Caulker at centre-back and we’ve no reason to question the Echo’s main man.

Caulker’s come off the bench three times so far very late on, but this will be our first chance to properly see him in central defence. Lovren’s been out since the first-leg of the League Cup semi-final, and it’s good to see him back from a hamstring issue. Nathaniel Clyne missed our last game with a slight problem, and we think Jon Flanagan will again start at right-back allowing Clyne to come in for the Leicester tie fresh.

Joe Allen surely must come in to the side following his recent impressive exploits, and many think he actually deserves a starting spot in the Premier League side right now.

Jordan Henderson only played an hour against Stoke last time out but is injured, so we think Kevin Stewart will play – allowing Emre Can, James Milner and Lucas a break.

Jordon Ibe and Christian Benteke are certainties for us to start, while Joao Teixeira, who scored in the 3rd Round, could begin on the left. This means Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana will hopefuly be fresh for the Premier League tie.

Sheyi Ojo, a goalscorer last time out, will hope for an appearance off the bench.

Thoughts, Reds?

Your teamfffff - Football tactics and formations

More Stories Christian Benteke Joe Allen