OPINION
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would be wise to axe struggling summer signing Naby Keita from the starting line up for his team’s visit to West Ham United on Monday.
The game at the London Stadium is absolutely critical for the Reds after Manchester City beat Arsenal on Sunday, and the German shouldn’t risk the woefully out of form Keita in midfield. Fabinho would be a far more reassuring option in the middle of the park.
Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip should also miss this one, with Rafael Camacho and Dejan Lovren deserving to come in at right back and centre back respectively. Those changes would likely be enough to beat this Hammers team with ease.
This contest is absolutely crucial for Klopp’s team as they look to reestablish their dominance at the top of the Premier League table. A repeat of the opening day’s 4-0 triumph would be very welcome for Liverpool.
Alisson is the undisputed number one between the sticks for the Reds and is undoubtedly the right choice again here. Andrew Robertson has been the finest left back in the top flight this season and must play from the start.
As mentioned, teenager Camacho should start at right back with Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured. James Milner is back from suspension, but Camacho deserves a chance after an impressive outing against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.
Virgil van Dijk should line up alongside Lovren rather than Matip. The Cameroonian started last time out against Leicester City but Lovren and Van Dijk have a more established partnership, something that could prove crucial down the stretch this term.
A return to the 4-3-3 of last season would allow the Reds to exploit West Ham’s defensive frailties. With that in mind, an attack-minded midfield trio of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri should be enough to get the job done on Monday.
The front three, as ever, picks itself. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are one of the preeminent strike forces in Europe and should be far too good for the Hammers.
