Wednesday sees West Ham United travel up North to Anfield to face Liverpool in the 3rd round of the Carabao Cup, with both teams aiming to progress to the next round.
With new manager Arne Slot having a successful start managing the Reds - winning 5 out of 6 games so far - the Dutchman will hope to continue this fine run of form and look to defend Liverpools title as current holders of the Carabao Cup.
Unlike the Reds, West Ham struggle to adapt to life under their new manager Julen Lopetegui, who’s managed the Hammers to win only 1 Premier League game out of 5 so far this season, creating a sour atmosphere amongst the fans with many feeling far opposite than confident for this away fixture.
Liverpool enter this fixture coming off of a 3-0 triumph over Bournemouth whereas the Hammers look to bounce back from their most recent defeat against Chelsea, which saw them lose 3-0 at home.
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Team news
Arne Slot is expected to heavily rotate for this midweek fixture after Saturdays win over Bournemouth, meaning players such as Mohammed Salah and Luis Diaz will most likely be sidelined to the bench to be rested.
Both Alisson Becker and Harvey Elliott are expected to be absent for this match with both players still suffering with injuries, which continue to restrict them from making the starting XI.
In his pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed that new summer signing Federico Chiesa will finally make his first start for the Reds of Merseyside whilst also hinting at possibly giving U18s midfielder Trey Nyoni an opportunity to be into matchday squad.
Caoimhim Kelleher will remain in between the sticks for Liverpool due to Alisson’s absence - keeping a clean sheet last match against Bournemouth.
West Ham
Fortunately for Hammers fans, they shall be delighted to hear that during Lopetegui’s prematch press conference, the Spaniard confirmed that he may be able to pick from a fully-fit squad.
With new striker Niclas Fullkrug looking on the mend from his injury, which he sustained whilst on international duty with his country, the Hammers gaffer confirmed that the German had trained on both Monday and Tuesday and will undergo a late fitness test to decide whether or not he is available for selection.
Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has also been confirmed to start in goal for the Hammers at Anfield.
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Likely line-ups
Liverpool:
Kelleher; Bradley, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Morton; Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo; Jota
West Ham:
Fabianski; Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek, Soler; Bowen, Kudus, Summerville; Antonio.
Key players
Liverpool - Federico Chiesa
Signing for the Reds over the summer for a fee of £12.5 million, the Italian shall be well up for the occasion as he hunts to grab his first goal for Liverpool- hitting the post early on into his Premier League debut over the weekend.
Highly underperforming for the Old Lady of Juventus last season where the he scored 10 goals in 37 appearances, Arne Slot brought in the winger in hopes that he could compete with Mohammed Salah, and potentially even become his successor as the Egyptian sees out his final season in Merseyside.
The Italians quick pace and ability to run through oppositions midfield in the counter makes him a key threat to the travelling side.
West Ham - Crysencio Summerville
Making his first start for the Hammers on Saturday against Chelsea, the Dutchman was impressive down the wing, causing Chelsea fullback Wesley Fofana many problems throughout the afternoon.
Scoring 21 goals and grabbing 8 assists last season for Leeds, the skill full winger deservedly won the EFL player of the year award and will be looking to score his first goal in claret and blue since joining in the Summer transfer window.
The Dutchman’s quick pace, dribbling skills and swift movement makes him a clear threat to Arne Slots defence whom shall be focused on closing down the Hammers new star man.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
The match will be played at Liverpool’s home stadium, Anfield.
What time is kick off?
The match kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, 25th September.
How can I watch?
The game will be shown on Sky Sports provided you have a subscription to do so.
You can also watch the highlights on the Sky Sports Youtube channel shortly after the final whistle is blown.
