The Reds’ star man is likely to return this evening
Klopp’s men take on West Ham this evening in an FA Cup fourth round replay at the Boleyn Ground, hoping to give themselves a chance to take on Blackburn in the fifth round.
The Reds will be hoping to see out the tie comfortably but considering the fixture congestion for Liverpool at present, we’re likely to see a much changed side from the weekend, which may mean a very different game from the first.
The positive for Klopp is that he has recently welcomed Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi back to full training and all three could play some part.
Given that Sturridge was supposed to get some time on the pitch on Saturday, before injury forced Buvac’s hand, he is highly likely to start this evening. Coutinho and Origi are more likely to feature from the bench, however.
Despite this great news at one end of the field though, recurring injuries will rule out both Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel. While Joe Allen who, like Lovren, was withdrawn early on Saturday will also miss the game.
It is rumoured that Klopp may opt to mix it up a little, and take a look at a Sturridge and Benteke partnership. And with Benteke out of favour at the moment, it would be a surprise to not see him play some part tonight, at least.
And in one final, potential twist in the Reds’ lineup tonight, we could see youngster Danny Ward get a dream FA Cup debut in goal. Many fans have been clamouring for the 22 year old to usurp Simon Mignolet in goal after another horror-show on Saturday.
For West Ham, Slaven Bilic will be without the services of James Tomkins, Cheikou Kouyate and Carl Jenkinson, while the game has come a little too early for both Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho.
Andy Carroll is likely to get the nod however, and if paired with the wide threat of Dimitri Payet, could cause Liverpool’s likely makeshift defence some problems.
In terms of form, both sides have had a bit of a mixed run of late, with each having had 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats in all competitions in the last five games. Both will be looking to improve that form this evening.
With the carrot of a relatively straightforward (on paper) tie against Blackburn dangling in front of both sides, don’t expect either to take the game lightly. And with Liverpool having had a poor run against West Ham in the previous three games between the two teams this season, we should expect a much-improved display.
