Liverpool Starting XI vs West Ham United: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool vs West Ham: Alisson and Bradley Return in Premier League Title Push

Slot’s Calm Amid Pressure

Liverpool’s response to adversity under Arne Slot continues to carry a composed authority. A rare Premier League defeat to Fulham last weekend — just their second all season — did little to knock confidence within the red half of Merseyside. There remains an 11-point cushion at the Premier League summit, and with seven games to play, Sunday’s clash with West Ham at Anfield offers another chance to reinforce their grip on the title.

That grip looks firmer with key reinforcements returning. Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference that both Alisson Becker and Conor Bradley are fit and ready to start. “Yes, it does,” Slot said, when asked if Bradley’s return off the bench last week meant he was in contention. “Of course it’s a boost, it’s always a boost when quality players come back.”

The Brazilian goalkeeper has not featured since the Champions League defeat to PSG, after missing two matches with concussion. Bradley, meanwhile, is poised to reclaim his natural berth at right-back — a timely return given Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez remain unavailable, and Curtis Jones had been deputising in unfamiliar territory.

Positional Clarity, Tactical Continuity

It is not just the names on the teamsheet that matter at this stage of a title run-in, but their positional clarity. “I think Curtis Jones is a quality player but it’s not his favourite position,” Slot explained. “So to have a player in his favourite position is always – not always – but might be better for the team.”

That subtle correction, mid-sentence, is telling. Slot is not a man who makes decisions purely out of sentiment. He has trusted youth and form equally across the campaign, but restoring Bradley to the flank is both a nod to structure and trust in rhythm. “To have Conor back, I think we all would make the same decision and that’s playing Conor in that position.”

There are no new injury setbacks ahead of the match, and while Slot has rotated carefully in recent weeks, the core of his side looks settled.

Salah’s Statement and Diaz’s Drive

Up front, Mohamed Salah is set to start. His off-pitch news — a new contract extension at Liverpool — is a clear show of intent from both player and club. The Egyptian’s presence offers more than goals; it stabilises and inspires in equal measure. His new deal signals continuity at a time when the team is evolving under Slot’s management.

Photo: IMAGO

Luis Diaz, meanwhile, will be hoping for a recall ahead of Cody Gakpo. The Colombian winger has often been Liverpool’s chaos factor — direct, unpredictable, brave. If Slot is seeking to stretch West Ham’s disciplined back line, Diaz may well provide the spark.

Predicted Liverpool XI vs West Ham

Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Diaz