England Carabao Cup 3rd Round

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Liverpool vs West Ham Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool:
Kelleher; Bradley, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Morton; Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo; Jota

West Ham:
Fabianski; Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Soler, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio

Liverpool host West Ham United at Anfield in Wednesday's third-round clash of Carabao Cup. The Reds are defending the title as they lifted the trophy in the last season's final. That was the last trophy for Jurgen Klopp, who left the club in May. At the same time, this is the first opportunity for new manager Arne Slot. His start was good, five victories and one defeat. Liverpool managed to beat Ipswich, Brentford, Manchester United and Bournemouth in the Premier League, as well as Serie A side AC Milan in the Champions League. The lone defeat came at Anfield from Nottingham Forest. Slot will like to avoid another home defeat, but rotating the players is also important. The visit of West Ham should see summer signing Federico Chiesa making his first start for Liverpool. Joe Gomez and Quansah should start in the heart of defense, together with Bradley and Tsimikas on the flanks. Alisson Becker is rated as doubtful with a muscle injury, but Caoimhin Kelleher was always expected to get the nod in goal for the cup matches. Harvey Elliott remain long-term absentee.

West Ham started the season bellow the expectations, with one win, one draw and three defeats. All three defeats came at home, though the opponents were very strong - Manchester City and Aston Villa, two Champions League participants, plus another European participants Chelsea. New manager Julen Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes, is already feeling some pressure. The fans are not satisfied with the results and few more defeats could provoke his change. Spanish coach need victory, but it won't be easy here. The Hammers have won at Anfield just once in their last 55 visits in all competitions, including three defeats in this competition. I expect Lopetegui to rest some of the key players for the Saturday's clash with Brentford in the Premier League. The majority of his players are ready for this game, but the absence of striker Niclas Fullkrug is a big handicap. He is out with a calf injury and maybe that's the reason for West Ham's poor results. Veteran striker Michael Antonio is expected to lead the line, supported by Bowen and Kudus.

Liverpool vs West Ham Prediction:

Liverpool have five victories in the opening six matches across all competitions and they will try to obtain another one. Salah and Dias should be rested, but Slot has quality replacements in Darwin Nunez, Chiesa and Gakpo. Nevertheless, the same could not be said for Liverpool defense. Gomez and Quansah have few minutes under their belt this season and Moyes strikers could take advantage from the absence of Van Dijk and Konate. I think both teams will score at Anfield.

Liverpool vs West Ham Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.80 with Pinnacle