Liverpool Handed Main Damage Increase Earlier than West Ham United Go to
Liverpool’s season has developed an edge few anticipated when Arne Slot lifted the Premier League title in his first marketing campaign in 2024-25. Quick ahead to 2026 and the champions discover themselves scrapping for place quite than setting the tempo. But, forward of the go to of West Ham United, there may be lastly a slice of encouraging information from the AXA Coaching Centre.
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Jeremie Frimpong Returns to Liverpool Coaching
Jeremie Frimpong has resumed full coaching, providing Liverpool a well timed elevate earlier than Saturday’s assembly with West Ham United. The Netherlands worldwide has been absent since limping off throughout the emphatic 6-0 Champions League victory over Qarabag on January 28. It marked his third harm setback since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen final summer season, a irritating sample for each participant and membership.
Picture: IMAGO
For Slot, choices at proper again have been stretched skinny. Conor Bradley’s season ending knee harm towards Arsenal pressured improvisation. Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo have all been requested to plug the hole at numerous factors. Endo subsequently sustained an ankle downside towards Sunderland, additional complicating issues.
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Jones crammed in throughout the FA Cup conquer Brighton & Hove Albion and reprised the position within the 1-0 league win at Nottingham Forest. Resourceful, sure. Sustainable, maybe not. Frimpong’s return modifications the arithmetic. His tempo, width and direct operating present stability, notably in matches the place Liverpool are anticipated to dominate possession.
Liverpool Kind and Champions League Ambitions
Liverpool’s title defence has stumbled. They’re 19 factors worse off than on the similar stage final season, a swing that might have positioned them three factors clear on the summit. As an alternative, the truth is a congested combat for Champions League qualification.
Manchester United’s win at Everton tightened the image, leaving them three factors behind fourth and stage on factors with Chelsea in fifth. For Liverpool, margin for error has evaporated. Most factors are important if they’re to safe a high 4 end.
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Silverware stays a risk. Progress within the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League retains optimism alive, however league consistency should underpin any broader ambitions. A 3rd consecutive Premier League victory would regular the ship and restore perception round Anfield.
West Ham United Combat for Survival at Anfield
West Ham United arrive on Merseyside in very completely different circumstances. Sitting 18th and two factors from security, they’re entrenched in a relegation battle. Liverpool’s current 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest provided the Hammers a marginal psychological elevate, however historical past gives little consolation. West Ham United haven’t received at Anfield since 2015.
Nonetheless, desperation could be harmful. With Forest dealing with Brighton & Hove Albion, the stakes are excessive throughout the desk. Liverpool, bolstered by Jeremie Frimpong’s return and children Amara Nallo and Kieran Morrison coaching with the senior squad, will look to claim authority early.
In a season outlined by advantageous margins, availability might show decisive. Frimpong’s comeback could possibly be exactly what Liverpool require as West Ham United try to spoil the script.