Former Arsenal Star: “Liverpool Face FA Exit at the Hands of West Ham”

Liverpool will head to Upton Park to face West Ham in the replay of the FA Cup fourth-round on Tuesday night.

Both teams played out a goalless draw in the original tie at Anfield. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp played a team of youngsters in that game. Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is still confused about his team and might play some youngsters again.

The former Arsenal star believes that the likes of Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia will cause troubles for the Merseysiders and has predicted a 2-0 defeat for the Reds. The winner of the game will be awarded an away tie against Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round of the cup.

Nicholas writes for Sky Sports: “This is a fascinating game to try and figure out because you’ve got two sides who have showed a lot of promise at times, but yet failed to prove themselves consistently.”

“Every time West Ham look as if they’re building some momentum, they seem to disappoint. They’ve clearly got some very good players, Dimitri Payet is fantastic and Enner Valencia is talented as well, but there are certain situations when they fail to produce. Do they simply like turning up for big games?”

“However, I still don’t see much in this Liverpool side. Jurgen Klopp still seems a bit confused in the direction he’s going. It always seems a slog for them and I said to Jeff and the boys at the weekend it’s always one step forward and then another back for them.”

“If they win the Capital One Cup final then this season will be deemed a success and I wouldn’t be surprised if they throw a couple of youngsters in, as you sense this competition isn’t a priority. I can’t see Daniel Sturridge being thrown back into the starting line-up yet, so Christian Benteke will probably be given another chance.

“West Ham should have beaten a weakened Liverpool side at Anfield and I can’t see anything other than them getting the job done back at Upton Park.”