Slot must bravely leave Liverpool’s ‘special’ talent

Liverpool get to know West Ham United at the london stadium this evening com Arne Slott looking to claim another victory at the Premier League. First placed and flying, the Reds have stayed this season.

However, West Ham have a point to prove after a disappointing start to life Julen Lopetegui but they have reached a degree of good form in recent weeks, unbeaten in their last four top-flight games (two wins, two draws).

Although Liverpool have won ten of their last 12 games against the Hammers in all competitions, they were held to a draw at the London Stadium last season in a heated contest that saw tempers flare between Mohamed Salah and outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp.

Slot will require cooler heads, but the harmony woven within this Reds squad is sure to remain intact and puts the visitors in a fantastic position to continue their incredible title campaign.

Liverpool team news

Ibrahima Konate i Conor Bradley he won’t be risking it in east London, but both want to return against Manchester United next weekend. The defenders have been sidelined since early December.

In midfield, Slot will not be able to fall back on the tireless energy of Dominik Szoboszlaifor the Hungarian has been suspended for one game after receiving his fifth yellow card of the year during the Boxing Day win over Leicester City.

Up front, Liverpool might be tempted to release an unchanged line, but given the task at hand, Slot might be tempted to drop two members.

Slot has to bravely let go of Cody Gakpo

Salah, of course, will retain his starting place on the right wing, looking to continue his impressive form this season. scoring 19 goals and 15 assists in 25 appearances.

However, Darwin Nunez failed to take command of number nine on Christmas Day despite much jestering. He brought energy and drive, but Liverpool need it Diogo Jota for this one

Jota has been reduced to off-the-bench roles since returning from injury this month, with Liverpool’s managers wary of his fitness record.

Now, he should be fit enough for a starting role. with nine wins in ten games against West Ham, the Portuguese forward could make the difference, bringing a clinical edge that Núñez simply lacks. According to FBrefJota is in the top 15% of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90.

If Jota is to start up front, Liverpool’s Dutch manager may want to boldly abandon form Cody Steele too The 25-year-old has scored four goals in their last seven Premier League games though Luis Diaz might be preferable to ensure Jota’s scoring chances are maximized.

Once hailed for his “special skill set” by Pep LijndersGakpo has been a revelation this season, taking the positives of his season and a half under Klopp and playing almost exclusively on the left this year, which has sharpened his goalscoring edge and more.

Sure, he could thrive alongside Jota at the London Stadium, but Liverpool could do with the electricity and multi-faceted threat of Diaz.

The Colombian is not a non-existent goal threat, scoring seven goals of 11 league games this season.

This exciting depth is a reflection of Liverpool’s devastating front line, which is as deadly as it is deep. Slot’s success has been largely due to Diaz and Gakpo being able to pivot and attack problems with their own formula.

Whichever Slot is chosen, Liverpool will feel they have what it takes to get the job done, but Diaz could be the best man for the job today.

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