Two Liverpool stars expected to return for West Ham United clash | OneFootball

Liverpool Bid to Reset Momentum Against West Ham

Liverpool head to London with a sense of urgency and a determination to restore composure after a bruising sequence of results. Three straight defeats have left the champions searching for rhythm, and the visit to West Ham arrives at a moment that demands clarity, courage and execution. Both sides approach this fixture with injury concerns, selection puzzles and the pressure of early winter intensity.

Squad Updates Shape Liverpool Preparation

Liverpool’s build up to the West Ham encounter has centred on key fitness updates, with Arne Slot offering welcome reassurance regarding two vital figures. Illness kept Alisson out of the midweek Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven, but the manager struck an optimistic tone when assessing his goalkeeper: “Ali trained again with the team today, so we hope and expect him to be available at the weekend,” he said.

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There was similar encouragement around Florian Wirtz, whose muscle issue has sidelined him for the last two matches. Slot explained: “Florian will have his final day of rehab tomorrow. So, if that all goes well, he could train with the team on Saturday.”

Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt after his back complaint forced him off against PSV, although the issue is regarded as short term. Slot added: “They don’t expect that it has to be a big issue, but the games come fast so let’s see for the weekend.”

With the champions looking to steady themselves, speculation naturally turns to potential alterations in the starting eleven. Slot acknowledged the balance he must strike: “You consider everything,” he said. “Until now, I have decided differently. But they train with us every single day and they can prove themselves in those moments. Of course, I consider [that] but I cannot tell you what the end product of that consideration is for Sunday yet.”

Joe Gomez is also edging close to involvement. Slot revealed: “He could have been involved [on Wednesday] as well in terms of minutes. But when we are 2-1 or 3-1 down, I tend to make offensive substitutions. And for him to start a game is also definitely a possibility.”

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West Ham Monitor Key Returns

West Ham enter the fixture in steadier form and could receive important boosts of their own. Konstantinos Mavropanos and Crysencio Summerville are progressing in their recoveries. Nuno Espirito Santo noted: “Both of them are getting better, still tomorrow to assess.”

Lucas Paqueta returns from suspension, strengthening the Hammers’ creative options. Oliver Scarles remains sidelined after collarbone surgery, while Lukasz Fabianski continues as a long-term absentee.

Nuno expects Liverpool to arrive with intensity regardless of the final selection. He said: “We cannot predict the starting XI. What we know, no matter who is going to start, is that we are going to face a tough opponent… the squad of Liverpool has immense quality all over the place, over all positions.”

Recent Form Influences the Narrative

Liverpool’s heavy 1-4 defeat to PSV has sharpened focus on their reaction, while West Ham’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth demonstrated resilience but also defensive vulnerability. Both managers understand the stakes. For Liverpool, this meeting is a chance to reassert the control that defined their 2024-25 title triumph. For West Ham, it is an opportunity to measure themselves against a squad with proven pedigree.

Whichever way the contest swings, the intensity will be felt across both dugouts and both squads. Liverpool want a reset, West Ham want a statement, and the capital awaits another compelling fixture influenced by fitness, form and pressure.