Cody Gakpo set for Liverpool return vs West Ham as Jürgen Klopp could make five changes

(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Jürgen Klopp will consider big changes to his team against West Ham -Credit:(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)


Jürgen Klopp will consider making several changes to his Liverpool team at West Ham following a disappointing result in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday. Everton won 2-0 at Goodison Park, as Sean Dyche's men delivered a major blow to Liverpool's title hopes.

Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured all three points for the Toffees, with Arsenal now having a three-point gap on the Reds at the top of the table. Manchester City follows closely in third place, with two games in hand on Liverpool, ahead of its trip to Brighton on Thursday.

Liverpool's focus will now be on getting back to winning ways against West Ham, with just four matches remaining in the Klopp era. It's another early kick-off for Klopp's side, with wholesale changes possible after the derby defeat.

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The defense did not cover itself in glory at Goodison Park with Ibrahima Konaté having a night to forget. He was replaced by Jarell Quansah during the match and the Reds youngster could return to the starting line-up.

Andy Robertson may also make way after a below-par performance. Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Gomez are both options but the Greek international may get the nod due to his attacking ability.

Elsewhere, Japanese international Wataru Endō only appeared as a second-half substitute in place of the more attacking Dominik Szoboszlai. Liverpool missed his protection against Everton and he will be needed against West Ham's attacking options, while Harvey Elliott could also come in to the side.

Cody Gakpo had impressed in Liverpool's recent matches and would likely have started at Goodison Park. However, Klopp confirmed he would not be involved with his partner expecting a baby. Should he be back in the squad, the Dutchman will hope to get a start against West Ham, with Darwin Núñez not doing enough to keep his places.

Portuguese forward Diogo Jota remains sidelined after suffering a fresh setback during the 3-1 win against Fulham last weekend. Jota only recently returned from a knee injury but is now set for around two weeks out, with Conor Bradley also remaining missing.

Possible Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Endō, Mac Allister, Elliott; Gakpo, Salah, Díaz.

Liverpool.com says: It's been a tough week for Liverpool. A loss in the derby is bad at any time, but given the title race implications, this one will really sting. All Liverpool can do is win its remaining games and hope Arsenal and City slip up. It needs to get back to winning ways at West Ham and end the Klopp era on a high.