OPINION
West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini is expected to recall international strikers Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez for his team’s visit of Liverpool on Monday.
Star attacker Marko Arnautovic picked up an injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers in mid week, leaving the door open for Carroll and Hernandez to surely come back into the starting line up.
That will likely see Michail Antonio moved back to a spot on the right wing, with Robert Snodgrass set to miss out alongside Arnautovic in what will probably be Pellegrini’s only changes from the defeat at Wolves.
The Chilean will be looking for a strong reaction from his players following a dismal recent run of form, but that won’t be easy against Jurgen Klopp’s table-toppers.
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is a slight doubt for the game but is expected to take up his usual place between the sticks, while old reliable Pablo Zabaleta can surely expect to start once again at right back.
However, Aaron Cresswell missed Tuesday’s game with a knock and it’s likely that Arthur Masuaku will continue to deputise for him on the left hand side of the defence. Meanwhile, Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop remain the only real options at centre back and can therefore expect to keep their places.
As mentioned, Antonio will most likely replace Snodgrass on the right hand side of midfield, with Felipe Anderson a sure fire starter on the left. In the middle of the park, Mark Noble and Declan Rice will almost definitely continue their partnership.
Up front, as discussed, it will surely be Carroll and Hernandez leading the line in the likely absence of main man Arnautovic.
