Liverpool vs West Ham – EFL Cup 3rd Round Preview

8pm Kick-Off at Anfield Tonight

The first domestic cup competition of the 2024/25 season kicks off for Liverpool on Wednesday night, with the Anfield giants looking to successfully defend the EFL Cup they won last season. After five games played and four wins attained so far in the Premier League, the mighty reds sit comfortably in second place in the table, just a single point behind the reigning champions, Manchester City. Arne Slot has impressed thus far with his tactical planning and execution in the English top tier, alongside a tremendous 1-3 win at the San Siro last midweek, which finished with a comfortable win over European heavyweights, AC Milan.

Julen Lopetegui took over as manager of West Ham in the summer, coming in as the successor to the celebrated and departed David Moyes. The 58-year-old manager’s initial period for the East London outfit has been inconsistent so far, as they languish in 14th position in the Premier League standings. This cup competition offers some respite from the pressures of the top division, which will surely suit opposing managers. The tournament 3rd round tie is also a game that can go straight to penalties, instead of the dreaded replay.

West Ham Availability

In terms of availability, the major summer signing for the West Ham Technical Director, Tim Steidten, was that of Niclas Fullkrug, who appears to be the only absentee for the visitors, though he should be back for the weekend trip to Brentford. The integration of a new and refined system of play is going to take time to perfect, therefore, a good run in the cup will often benefit a club in transition. The former Real Madrid and Wolves manager will be looking for a positive performance and result this midweek, as he looks to win over the Hammers traveling support with a major Anfield scalp, one which could buy him the time he needs to iron out the creases in his methods.

Regarding early season form, a disastrous weekend loss was recorded at the London Stadium, as Chelsea delivered a resounding 0-3 defeat to their capital rivals. The weekend prior ended in a 1-1 draw with Fulham, who hosted (and blunted) the visiting Hammers hopes of a win. A 1-3 home defeat against Manchester City preceded that single point contest, following a solid 0-2 win away to Crystal Palace. In between those matches came a 2nd round victory in this EFL Cup.

A predicted line up for the away team is listed below, in a 4-2-3-1 formation. A fair amount of rotation is expected for this tie, as the players look to gain both minutes and familiarity with one another. The more experienced and physical option of Michail Antonio may be considered up top, whereas Łukasz Fabiański will be hoping to make the Cup games his own.

GK – Łukasz Fabiański

RB – Vladimír Coufal

RCB – Jean-Clair Todibo

LCB – Maximilian Kilman

LB – Aaron Cresswell

CM – Carlos Soler

CDM – Tomáš Souček

ACM – Lucas Paquetá

RM – Mohammed Kudus

CF – Michail Antonio

LM – Jarrod Bowen

Liverpool Availability

In terms of injures, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined until late October with a fractured foot. The remainder of the squad appears fresh and revitalised, however, there may well be a near full scale alteration for this contest. The reds are competing on all fronts, therefore, this secondary competition should allow senior fringe players to garner some much-needed rhythm and game time, before the first team elite re-emerge for the weekend.

Below is the team I believe the Dutch boss, Arne Slot, will start for this next Anfield encounter. Liverpool has some decisions to make in terms of selection and though there is likely to be several changes from the first team group, that supposed backup eleven will still see multiple international players turn out.

Regarding recent form, the reds defeated Bournemouth at the weekend with a comprehensive 3-0 scoreline, after they overcame AC Milan with a resounding 1-3 victory at the San Siro in the Champions League opener. That pair of wins came after falling to a surprise 0-1 loss at home to Nottingham Forest. A spectacular 0-3 win was achieved at Old Trafford the gameweek before that loss, as Manchester United were swept aside with relative ease.

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

RB – Conor Bradley

RCB – Joe Gomez (c)

LCB – Jarell Quansah

LB – Kostas Tsimikas

CDM – Wataru Endō

CM – Tyler Morton

ACM – Curtis Jones

RF – Federico Chiesa

CF – Diogo Jota

LF – Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out

Liverpool will look to overwhelm a team in a state of confusion and flux. The demands and expectations of the new West Ham manager has so far been uncoordinated; therefore, I expect the quality of the men in red to overcome a beleaguered opposition.

This game under the Anfield lights could be an open affair with goals aplenty, one that should be won in regulation time be the reigning champions.

Player to watch – Federico Chiesa

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 3 – 1 West Ham