Liverpool vs West Ham; ‘He was a boy and he is now a man’

A further home game awaits for Liverpool as they will be facing David Moyes’ West Ham United on Saturday evening.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are on a winning run since the dreaded injury to Virgil Van Dijk with three wins against Ajax, Sheffield United and FC Midtjylland however the football hasn’t been its scintillating best but maybe that’s a sign of the side adapting to the loss of Van Dijk.

Victories are victories though and Klopp will not care how they come just like the supporters so another scruffy win against West Ham will be ever so welcomed.

Man of the match on Tuesday Trent Alexander-Arnold is in line to make his 100^th Premier League appearance at just 22 years old, it’ll be a remarkable achievement for the young lad from West Derby who for the last few years has been proving the kids from Liverpool that dreams can come true.

Regarding Trent’s 100^th start Jurgen Klopp in his press conference said: “Great number, interesting journey, super basis as a player and person.

“Used it to make big developments. When you see pics from his 1st game, he was a boy and he is now a man.”

As one turns into a man another one might just be starting his road to becoming a man within this team.

Rhys Williams is in line to make his Premier League debut after replacing Fabinho who went off injured in the midweek Champions League game and will miss the next few games at the very least.

The 19 year old has had four appearances so far this season and has looked like a assured confident defender so a full Premier League debut seems to be the next step for Williams who was on loan at Kidderminster Harriers in the sixth division last season so it fair to say it has been a big step for him which makes it even more impressive.

Joe Gomez is the only fit senior fit centre back with Joel Matip still injured so Williams will be alongside him if he starts however Nathaniel Phillips may even get the nod.

Phillips was on the bench against Sheffield United and did not get the chance to be substituted on in the Champions League as he isn’t in the squad as Klopp was certain he would end up leaving before the end of either the European or domestic transfer window.

The pair have both shown they are capable.

Williams this season and Phillips last season in the FA Cup against Everton however a Premier League debut will certainly get the nerves going for either one of them, so it’ll be a massive game for one unless Klopp does not want to put the pressure on them and would rather drop back either Henderson or Wijnaldum in the defence which he has done before.

Finally, though for Liverpool some good injury news as Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara will be back in contention for the game.

Whether they start remains to be seen but after missing the last three games it is some positive team news.

Klopp said that the pair are “both in a good way” but he is “not in a rush with the boys” meaning supporters may have to be patient for their full return.

The front three were all rested in midweek so it would make sense to see them all back in the starting line-up.

Minamino and Origi didn’t take their chance to impress in midweek whereas Diogo Jota and Xherdan Shaqiri looked like they want their names to be in the starting 11 every week.

Jota has impressed that much he is already forcing himself into the starting line-up with four starts and three goals so far this campaign.

In an exclusive interview with the club Jota said: “I think we can play much better, including myself, during games.”

Therefore, showing he has no plans of slowing down which is brilliant for all fans watching from home.

Shaqiri got a full 90 minutes against Midtjylland which was a pleasant surprise and what was also great to see was the fact he slotted in the midfield three showing Klopp he can be versatile.

The Swiss international looks set to be as important as ever this season, he may have forced his way into Klopp’s plans against West Ham.

West Ham have looked impressive under David Moyes so far this season with big wins against Wolves and Leicester City whilst also picking up a point against Spurs and Manchester City.

Unfortunately for them though star man Michail Antonio has been ruled out for the game on Saturday and reportedly for the next six weeks which may mean misfiring Sebastian Haller will step in to replace him.

It will be a chance for Liverpool to move top of the table and ahead of Everton even if it might only be for 24 hours.

Ex-Evertonian Moyes is in the way but we all know his record against Liverpool is not exactly spectacular, he will want that to change more than anyone so another home game it may be for Liverpool but another tough game it is certain to be.

Written by Elliot Thompson

Premier League: Liverpool vs West Ham; ‘He was a boy and he is now a man’

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