Overview
Liverpool are still showing a positive side under new head coach Arne Slot. The Kop proved that the 0-1 loss to Nottingham Forest was just an accident when they quickly beat AC Milan and Bournemouth with ease.
However, the challenge will once again come to Liverpool when they have to face a tough opponent in the third round of the Carabao Cup, West Ham. Although they are no longer maintaining the high form as in previous seasons, The Hammers are still a tough opponent. Having to face the London representative in the third round will be a difficult challenge for Slot's team.
However, West Ham are going through a poor run of form with pressure mounting on manager Julen Lopetegui. Despite a string of new signings, they have yet to deliver results. The game against Liverpool will be crucial for Lopetegui if he is to regain the support of the fans.
At this time, Liverpool are rated higher than their opponents in every aspect. In theory, the "big guys" in the Premier League often rotate their squad when playing in the Carabao Cup to save energy. However, against an opponent like West Ham, Slot will find it difficult to keep all the pillars. Therefore, the Italian strategist needs to have careful calculations about personnel.
Liverpool have been regular domestic cup winners in recent years, and it will be interesting to see if Slot can continue that streak. Furthermore, the Reds are also the reigning Carabao Cup winners, the last trophy Jurgen Klopp won before leaving Anfield.
Human resources situation
Liverpool are worried about the injury of first-choice goalkeeper Allison Becker, while Harvey Elliott is definitely out.
On the other side of the front line, West Ham almost has the strongest squad before this match.
Expected lineup:
Liverpool: Kelleher, Bradley, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas, Jones, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Jota, Chiesa, Nunez.
West Ham: Fabianski, Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Wan-Bissaka, Alvarez, Soucek, Bowen, Paqueta, Summerville, Antonio.
Score prediction: Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
The match between Liverpool and West Ham takes place at 2:00 a.m. on September 26 (Vietnam time).
