Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has made one change from the side that thumped Norwich City by a resounding 5-1 scoreline midweek and it’s French centerhalf Mamadou Sakho coming in for vice-Captain Daniel Agger.
Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet starts between the sticks with Martin Skrtel and Sakho — who hasn’t started since he scored a pair of goals for France over the last international break — in the heart of the Reds defense. There have been calls for the former PSG captain to return to the squad with the Reds backline looking less than steady and he’ll get his shot to stake a claim today against a very physical West Ham United side. Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan, who is keeping the far more experienced Aly Cissokho out of the side, start on the flanks.
Surprisingly, Joe Allen has kept Lucas out of the side once again with the diminutive midfielder prefered to the Brazilian; he’ll be partnered with Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson in midfield. Youngster Raheem Sterling also keeps his spot in the squad after scoring midweek and he’ll play opposite Philippe Coutinho. Luis Suarez, obviously, starts up front after making Premier League history with his hat-trick of hat-tricks against the Canaries secured on Wednesday night.
From the bench, Brendan Rodgers has Aly Cissokho, Martin Kelly, Lucas, Victor Moses, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas to call on.
The last time West Ham United came to Anfield, they were able to sneak a goal-less draw; that’s probably not the aim today, but Sam Allardyce would take just about anything to snap his side out of their bad run of form. Jussi Jaaskelainen starts between the sticks with Guy Demel, George McCartney, James Collins, James Tomkins charged with keeping Liverpool — most notably, Luis Suarez — at bay. Mark Noble, Mohamed Diame, Kevin Nolan, Stewart Downing and Matt Jarvis make up the midfield. Malian striker Modibo Maiga will play up-top all by his lonesome.
Sam Allardyce has reserve goalkeeper Adrian, defenders Joey O’Brien, Matthew Taylor and Jack Collison on the bench. Rounding it out is midfielders Alou Diarra and Joe Cole as well as striker Carlton Cole.
Be sure to stop by after the match for a full reaction and other assorted goodies.
