“My Liverpool XI vs West Ham — And The Team Slot Will Pick”

With Florian Wirtz still unavailable, Liverpool face West Ham United needing balance, control and attacking spark.

But there’s a difference between what I would do — and what Arne Slot is likely to do.

The Team I Would Start

Alisson

Gomez – Konate – Van Dijk – Kerkez

Gravenberch – Mac Allister – Szoboszlai

Salah – Ekitike – Ngumoha

Why?

Because structure matters.

I would start Joe Gomez at right-back. He’s a natural defender. Against a physical West Ham side, defensive solidity is crucial.

That also keeps Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield — where we need his energy, pressing and ball-carrying ability far more than at right-back.

Midfield battles decide games like this.

And then there’s the front three.

Rio Ngumoha deserves a start.

He’s direct. Fearless. Sharp.

Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo hasn’t been at his best recently. Form should matter.

If Ngumoha is improving, reward him.

The Team Slot Will Probably Pick

Alisson

Szoboszlai – Konate – Van Dijk – Kerkez

Gravenberch – Mac Allister – Jones

Salah – Ekitike – Gakpo

This feels more aligned with Slot’s recent decisions.

He has shown trust in Szoboszlai at right-back.

He has leaned toward experience over youth in bigger fixtures.

And he appears cautious about accelerating Ngumoha too quickly.

The Key Difference

The biggest disagreement?

Right-back and left wing.

I believe:

Szoboszlai is more valuable in midfield. Gomez offers defensive security. Ngumoha offers hunger and unpredictability.

Slot seems to prioritise:

Tactical control. Gradual development. Senior reliability.

The Bigger Question

Is this the moment to be bold?

Or is this the moment to trust structure?

With Wirtz unavailable, Liverpool cannot afford creativity gaps in midfield.

For me, that’s why Szoboszlai must play centrally.

And if Ngumoha is good enough to be talked about — he’s good enough to start.

Now it’s over to Slot.

Jamie (The Kopite View)