Liverpool faces a tricky FA Cup fourth round replay at West Ham on Tuesday night. The first game was a pretty lifeless game that finished goalless. The result was not a major surprise considering that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp decided to field a weakened team, largely due to an injury crisis.
The Reds now have some of their walking wounded off back in training, with the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho both expected to play a part in the tie.
For Klopp FA Cup progression is vital to keep Liverpool’s season alive. The Reds made it through to the Capital One Cup final by the skin of their teeth, but I do believe that the majority of fans would favour a good run in the FA Cup over winning the much-derided league cup, even if Klopp’s side are already in the league cup final.
Klopp has endured a mixed spell in charge of the Reds since his arrival in October of last year. His Liverpool side are now notoriously unpredictable and at the weekend inexplicably threw away a two goal lead against struggling Sunderland to draw 2-2.
With the Reds now looking more and more unlikely to claim a top four spot, glory in the FA Cup must be regarded as a decent consolation prize. However, West Ham are no pushovers, as the Reds have found out to their cost in both the Premier League games this season, with the Hammers doing the double over the side from Merseyside.
If anything West Ham have to be seen as favourites heading into tonight’s clash, but for Liverpool and boss Klopp this could be the game that defines the campaign for the clubs fans.