FULL TIME
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Liverpool: possible starting lineup: Kelleher; Bradley, Gomez, Quansah, Tsimikas; Endo, Morton; Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo; Jota
West Ham: possible starting lineup: Fabianski; Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Soler, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio
Match Preview
Liverpool begins their defense of the EFL Cup title against West Ham United in a third-round clash at Anfield. Liverpool enters the match in good form, fresh off a 3-0 win over Bournemouth, while West Ham is reeling from a 3-0 loss to Chelsea.
Liverpool’s success in this competition is unrivaled, having won it a record 10 times, including last season's triumph over Chelsea. Despite a recent slip against Nottingham Forest, the Reds have bounced back well and will look to continue their positive form. Key players like Luis Diaz, who scored a brace against Bournemouth, and Darwin Nunez, who added another, are in top form. However, Alisson Becker remains sidelined due to injury, with Caoimhin Kelleher set to start in goal. The match is also likely to see summer signing Federico Chiesa make his full debut, while Mohamed Salah may be rested.
West Ham, under Julen Lopetegui, are struggling for consistency, sitting 14th in the Premier League with just one win from five matches. Their latest defeat to Chelsea highlighted their defensive frailties, and they will need to improve significantly to challenge Liverpool. Niclas Fullkrug is expected to return from injury, and Tomas Soucek could be reinstated to offer more midfield stability.
Liverpool dominated West Ham in the EFL Cup last season, winning 5-1 in the quarter-finals, but West Ham will be hoping for a better showing this time around.