Liverpool Confirmed XI vs West Ham | OneFootball

Liverpool Confirmed XI vs West Ham as Gomez Returns

Anfield readies itself once more, expectation hanging in the air as Liverpool continue their Premier League campaign against West Ham. Arne Slot, now firmly established after delivering the 2024 to 2025 title, has made a single alteration to his side. The news from the confirmed XI is clear, Joe Gomez returns.

Momentum matters at this stage of a season. Liverpool arrive on a run of three consecutive wins and the rhythm of a settled side is beginning to show. Confidence builds not through noise, but through repetition, discipline and trust in structure.

Slot’s selection speaks to that trust.

Photo IMAGO

Defensive Platform at Anfield

Alisson starts, chasing a fourth clean sheet in succession. His presence offers calm authority, the type that spreads through a defensive unit. Ahead of him, the back four reads with balance and clarity, Gomez at right back, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk centrally, Milos Kerkez on the left.

Van Dijk’s leadership remains foundational, Konate’s athleticism complements him, and Kerkez continues to add thrust from deeper areas. Gomez’s return suggests Slot values defensive assurance against a West Ham side capable of springing forward with pace.

Control in these fixtures is rarely accidental. It is shaped by positioning, communication and anticipation.

Midfield Shape Without Wirtz

With Florian Wirtz unavailable, Dominik Szoboszlai is tasked with operating in the more advanced midfield role. Behind him sit Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, a pairing that blends craft and industry.

Mac Allister’s intelligence between lines offers tempo, Gravenberch’s stride carries Liverpool through transitions. Szoboszlai, encouraged to influence closer to the forwards, has an opportunity to stamp authority on the contest.

Slot’s system remains fluid, yet disciplined. The spacing between midfield and attack will be crucial in breaking down West Ham’s defensive block.

Photo: IMAGO

Attacking Consistency and Bench Impact

Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike retain their places in attack. Continuity in the front line reinforces understanding. Salah’s movement inside channels, Gakpo’s adaptability and Ekitike’s willingness to stretch defences provide variation within a familiar framework.

There were calls to introduce Rio Ngumoha from the outset, but Slot has resisted. The youngster remains among the substitutes, ready to inject energy if required. Alongside him sit Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones and the fit again Jeremie Frimpong, options capable of altering tempo or shape as the match unfolds.

The confirmed XI underlines a manager confident in his core. Rotation is measured, not reactive.

Liverpool Confirmed XI

Liverpool: Alisson, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Ekitike

Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Robertson, Ramsay, Frimpong, Jones, Nyoni, Chiesa, Ngumoha

For West Ham, the challenge is significant. Anfield under lights has often been decisive, and Liverpool’s recent defensive solidity adds to that sense of control. Four consecutive clean sheets would signal more than form, it would signal authority.

Slot’s Liverpool continue to show hallmarks of champions, patience in possession, clarity in pressing, and trust in personnel. Against West Ham, execution will determine whether momentum strengthens further.