Liverpool enters their final game of 2024 in excellent form, sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League. Under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, the Reds have demonstrated remarkable resilience and quality, even when the odds seemed stacked against them. After a Boxing Day win over Leicester City, Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table, and now they turn their attention to West Ham United, aiming to end the year with another victory before Manchester United’s visit to Anfield to kick off 2025.
Despite a shaky start against Leicester, where Jordan Ayew’s early goal put Liverpool on the back foot, the Reds’ superior quality and tactical adjustments ensured they came away with a dominant 3-1 victory. The match showcased the attacking potency and depth within the squad, with Cody Gakpo’s stunning strike just before half-time setting the stage for a second-half barrage that eventually secured the points. The tactical flexibility of Arne Slot has been a key component of Liverpool’s success this season, with the Dutchman showing an impressive ability to adjust his team’s approach depending on the situation.
Now, with the Premier League table looking increasingly favourable, Liverpool will be determined to end the year on a high note against a West Ham side that has often proven difficult to break down at the London Stadium. With a few injury concerns, especially in defensive areas, Slot is likely to make some adjustments to his starting lineup, ensuring freshness and balance ahead of their busy January schedule.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
As Liverpool head into this final game of 2024, Arne Slot will be mindful of the fatigue among his players but also keen to maintain momentum at the top of the Premier League table. Here’s how Liverpool could line up against West Ham in East London:
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker remains Liverpool’s undisputed number one, and he will likely start against West Ham. The Brazilian goalkeeper has had an excellent season so far, although he has found clean sheets a little harder to come by since returning from injury. Despite this, Alisson continues to provide immense value with his shot-stopping ability, leadership, and distribution from the back. Although backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher would typically be an option for cup fixtures, Alisson’s importance in league matches means he will most likely continue between the posts against the Hammers.
Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has become an increasingly influential figure under Arne Slot, both in defense and, more notably, in midfield. The England international was a constant presence on the right flank during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City, providing multiple assists and offering creative contributions in the final third. While Slot may be wary of Alexander-Arnold’s heavy workload, having played the full 90 minutes against Leicester, the absence of Conor Bradley due to injury means Alexander-Arnold will remain in the lineup. His ability to push forward, supply crosses, and even drop into central midfield will be essential against West Ham, who will look to be compact defensively.
Center-Backs: Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk
The partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez in central defense has been a reliable one for Liverpool this season, and they are expected to start again against West Ham. Van Dijk remains the rock of the Liverpool defense, and despite an own goal against Leicester (Ayew’s shot deflected off Van Dijk), the Dutchman had little else to do as Liverpool controlled the majority of the match. West Ham’s threat, particularly through the pace and trickery of Jarrod Bowen, will require Van Dijk’s experience and leadership at the back.
Alongside him, Joe Gomez will continue in his role as the second central defender. While Ibrahima Konaté remains sidelined, Gomez has proven himself more than capable of stepping up in a central role. His pace and ability to read the game make him a key component of Liverpool’s defense, and his partnership with Van Dijk will be crucial in nullifying West Ham’s attacking threats. Given that West Ham often rely on direct play and aerial duels, Gomez’s athleticism will be important in dealing with crosses and long balls.
Left-Back: Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas is expected to come in at left-back for this match, with Andy Robertson likely to be rested. Robertson has been playing a lot of football recently, and although he remains one of Liverpool’s most important players, Slot may opt to give him a breather before the intense fixtures in early 2025. Tsimikas has proven himself to be more than capable of filling in for Robertson, providing defensive stability and offensive support. His crossing ability and work rate will be needed as Liverpool look to control the game down the left flank. West Ham’s threat from wide areas will be a concern, and Tsimikas will need to remain vigilant defensively while contributing to the attack.
Central Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool’s midfield has been one of the standout aspects of their play this season, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister forming a dynamic and effective partnership. Gravenberch has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best-performing midfielders, offering energy, tackling, and ball progression in abundance. Slot will likely rely on the Dutchman to dominate the midfield against West Ham, who will look to disrupt the tempo of the game with their physicality. Gravenberch’s ability to break up opposition attacks and drive forward with the ball will be crucial in ensuring Liverpool maintain control of the match.
Alongside him, Alexis Mac Allister will provide the creative spark. The Argentine has been one of the most intelligent midfielders in the league this season, linking defense and attack seamlessly while also contributing in the final third. Mac Allister’s vision, passing range, and ability to arrive late in the box will be vital against a West Ham team that tends to defend deep. He will look to pull the strings in the midfield and ensure that Liverpool can break down West Ham’s defensive setup.
Right Wing: Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has been a consistently prolific presence for Liverpool this season, although his performance against Leicester on Boxing Day was somewhat subdued. Despite this, Salah managed to get on the scoresheet with Liverpool’s third goal, continuing his excellent run of form. The Egyptian winger remains one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers, and Slot will once again rely on his creativity and finishing ability to unlock West Ham’s defense. Salah will be key in stretching the play, running at defenders, and creating goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Attacking Midfield: Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones has firmly established himself as a crucial part of Liverpool’s midfield this season, and his performance against Leicester only further cemented his importance to the team. Jones was excellent in that match, contributing defensively, in transition, and with some key attacking passes. With Dominik Szoboszlai suspended for this game, Slot will turn to Jones to provide balance and creativity in the middle of the park. Jones’ ability to dribble, press high, and make incisive runs into the box will make him a key player for Liverpool against West Ham. His all-around contribution has been invaluable in recent weeks.
Left Wing: Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has been a revelation for Liverpool since his move to Anfield, and his performance against Leicester highlighted his growing influence in attack. Gakpo’s stunning curler put Liverpool in front, and he has been a constant threat from the left wing. The Dutchman’s ability to drift inside, link up play, and finish with precision makes him a versatile option for Slot. With West Ham likely to sit deep, Gakpo’s ability to find pockets of space and execute clever movements will be crucial in breaking down their defensive block.
Striker: Luis Díaz
Luis Díaz is expected to start in the striker role for Liverpool against West Ham. Although Darwin Núñez continues to frustrate with his erratic performances, Díaz has impressed when deployed as a central striker in a false nine role. His ability to drop deep, link play, and make runs in behind defenders adds another dimension to Liverpool’s attack. Díaz will look to exploit any spaces between West Ham’s defensive lines, providing an extra creative outlet and finishing ability up front.
As league leaders, Liverpool will head to the London Stadium with the aim of finishing 2024 with another three points. While there are a few injury and suspension concerns, Arne Slot has enough quality and depth within his squad to manage these challenges. With players like Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones in excellent form, Liverpool will be favourites to come away with a victory, but they must be wary of West Ham’s ability to disrupt the rhythm of the game.
Ending the year with a strong performance will be crucial as Liverpool prepare for the upcoming fixture against Manchester United in early January. With Slot’s tactical flexibility and the squad’s attacking prowess, the Reds will look to maintain their top position in the Premier League, continuing their quest for a title challenge into 2025.
