Liverpool line-ups for West Ham as Diogo Jota returns and key man dropped

Our Liverpool writers have picked their respective XIs for the clash with the Hammers in the Premier League on Sunday

A fascinating 2024 on the pitch will come to a close for Liverpool on Sunday. They visit West Ham United in the Premier League.

The match gives the Reds a chance to assert their increasing dominance at the top of the Premier League. They go into this round of fixtures six points clear of nearest challengers Arsenal with a game in hand, with defending champions Manchester City well off the pace.

West Ham have improved in recent weeks but are still down in 13th in the table. Julen Lopetegui’s position as manager was under heavy scrutiny after a terrible start, although two wins and two draws in their last four matches have eased the pressure.

Our Liverpool writers Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle and Theo Squires have all put forward their preferred XIs for the contest below.

Paul Gorst

The final fixture of an eventful 2024 gives Liverpool the chance to further their very real Premier League title credentials at West Ham United.

With Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate still sidelined the only defensive question is whether or not Kostas Tsimikas comes back for Andy Robertson. I’m tempted to give the Greek international a run-out and save Robertson for Manchester United next week.

In midfield, there’s no Dominik Szoboszlai so Curtis Jones keeps his place with Harvey Elliott waiting in the wings and while I did think about a rare start for Wataru Endo, I’m keeping faith with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.

Up top, Diogo Jota returns for Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz can kick his heels on the bench once more with Cody Gakpo in fine form at present.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Jota