Liverpool are set to take on West Ham this evening at Anfield, with the Reds desperate for revenge in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
The Hammers are one of only two teams to inflict defeat on them this season, taking a 3-2 win at the start of November. Could David Moyes’ side complete the league double over the title chasing side?
Their task could be made easier by Liverpool’s injury list, Roberto Firmino and Thiago are both missing, with Naby Keita and Curtis Jones facing late fitness tests. Arguably the biggest miss of all to Jurgen Klopp will be that of Joel Matip. The Cameroonian defender is suffering with ‘illness’ and won’t be available.
Were you impressed with Konate's performance against Palace?Yes
No
|
Problems for Jurgen Klopp?
Matip has been in inspired form this season, putting his injury woes behind him to be one of the first names on the teamsheet. He has started 21 of Liverpool’s 26 Premier League games, along with the Carabao Cup final. He finally got that desired goal from his marauding runs against Leeds, expertly finding the back of the net.
He’s only picked up two bookings in his 30 games this season, showing he is clean in the tackle and reliable with a near perfect disciplinary record – something vital for a centre back to have. Rio Ferdinand has gone on record to praise his passing into the forwards, highlighting it as an area in which he outshines even Virgil van Dijk.
He has struck up a sensational partnership with the Dutch defender, and you only need to see the behind the scenes content from the club to see how good their relationship is, something that undoubtedly helps their link up on pitch. The ‘humble hero‘ has abilities van Dijk wishes he had!
|
|
Ibrahima Konate’s chance?
Summer signing Ibrahima Konate has firmly established himself as the third choice centre back at Anfield, pipping Joe Gomez in the pecking order. Whenever Matip has been out or rested, the young Frenchman has been the defender to step in.
He has made 17 appearances in all competitions so far, compared to the 14 of Gomez. The key difference is though, Gomez has one start in the league this campaign, with Konate making seven.
It’s a hard position to work your way into at Liverpool, when you consider van Dijk is basically a guaranteed starter given he is the best defender in the world in the eyes of Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek and many others. So that leaves one spot open, with Matip firmly stamping his authority on it.
The £27m-rated Konate has always looked comfortable slotting into the side, but he looks like he needs to take his performances to another level if he is to usurp Liverpool’s number 32 and be a regular starter for Klopp.