Paqueta dropped, 4-2-3-1: The predicted West Ham XI to face Liverpool in the EFL Cup

December 19, 2023

West Ham United prepares to close out the EFL Cup quarter-final action with an intense clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

The Hammers head into this crucial fixture with high morale, having secured their spot in the last-16 of the Europa League and bounced back from a tough outing at Fulham with a commanding 3-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League.

Mohammed Kudus’ brace and Jarrod Bowen’s goal against Wolves showcased West Ham’s attacking prowess, providing a much-needed boost in confidence as they look forward to extending their cup run.

David Moyes’ side has reached this stage of the competition twice in the last three seasons but has faced defeat in their last three quarter-final ties since making it to the semi-finals back in the 2013/14 campaign.

In goal, Fabianski continues to impress, earning back-to-back clean sheets, while Areola is set to reclaim his spot in the Premier League lineup as he recovers from a wrist problem.

Ahead of the intense schedule, changes are anticipated, with Kehrer, Mavropanos, and Aguerd likely to feature, providing an opportunity for valuable game time and a chance to make an impact.

Cresswell may step in at full-back, offering his experience and skill set to bolster the defensive line while providing rest to key players for the Premier League battles ahead.

The midfield partnership is set to feature Soucek and Ward-Prowse, with their combination crucial to maintaining defensive resilience and presenting a significant goal threat, especially from set pieces.

On the wings, Kudus and Benrahma bring pace and attacking flair, aiming to trouble the Liverpool defense and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities.

Fornals is expected to take up the number 10 role, adding creativity and vision to support the frontline. This cohesive lineup reflects West Ham’s tactical approach and adaptability as they face a formidable challenge in the EFL Cup quarter-final.

It appears that the discussion revolves around a football-related analysis, particularly focusing on the game time allocation in the Europa League and its potential impact on the EFL Cup. Additionally, there’s mention of the performance and goal-scoring capabilities of a player, specifically Bowen, in away games.

The context suggests that the Spaniard in question has been receiving substantial playing time in the Europa League, and this experience could possibly translate into appearances in the EFL Cup, especially considering the strategy of Moyes potentially rotating the team lineup.

Furthermore, it’s highlighted that Bowen, an England international, possesses a strong track record of goal-scoring during away fixtures. Specifically, he recently achieved his 10th goal of the season, with a significant portion of those goals (seven out of the ten) being scored in away games. The analysis indicates the need for Bowen to maintain his clinical form in front of the goal, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities as they arise.

Overall, it seems to be a detailed evaluation of a player’s performance and the potential implications for future fixtures, with a focus on the skill and consistency of the mentioned footballer in converting goal-scoring chances.

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