Ollie Scarles could hold West Ham key as Liverpool team news provides new worry
Nuno Espirito Santo may be forced to go slightly more defensive against Liverpool, with El Hadji Malick Diouf a possible victim of that at Anfield.
So far this season, Diouf has been the recognised starting left-back, starting in 19 of West Ham’s 27 Premier League matches.
Oliver Scarles, who came through the Hammers academy, has had his chances, as the Senegalese defender was unavailable for seven matches due to the African Cup of Nations.
Diouf, who had success at AFCON, winning the tournament, found himself quickly back into Nuno’s plans, where he started in his second match back.
Since then, Scarles has struggled to get a look in and has not started in any of the Irons’ last four games, as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.
Jeremy Frimpong returns for Liverpool – here’s why Oliver Scarles is better equipped to start for West Ham
Jeremie Frimpong is back in Liverpool training ahead of facing West Ham.
Depending on his fitness, the Dutchman could start for the Merseyside club, who have no natural right-backs available.
If Frimpong is ready to start, then his pace out wide will provide the Hammers with plenty of problems, and having a more defensive left-sided defender may be the wise move from Nuno.
Over the season, Scarles’ defensive numbers are better than Diouf’s, whose presence in the final third is better between the pair.
However, with a potential double up of both Mohamed Salah and the returning Frimpong, then going more conservative could hold the key to keeping the Reds quiet.
The West Ham academy product is much stronger in his duels, winning 61.9 per cent compared to Diouf’s 50.3 per cent, as per the Sofascore graphic above.
The 20-year-old also attempts more tackles per game than his Senegalese teammate, and with Frimpong’s threat out wide, that could be a key asset.
Additionally, the graphic showcases that Diouf tends to position himself higher up the pitch, which could leave more space behind.
- Read more: The supercomputer has spoken – discover what chance West Ham have been given against Liverpool
Why Scarles and Diouf decision is a great tactical headache for Nuno
Even if Frimpong does not start, having Scarles around anyway will be useful.
If Slot brings on the former Bayer Leverkusen man with West Ham holding onto a result, Nuno should respond by introducing Scarles.
However, in contrast, if Frimpong gets substituted off, then Nuno would be able to bring Diouf on to provide more threat going forward.
It gives the Portuguese head coach a welcome headache, and one that could punish Liverpool, who have shown themselves to struggle against the bottom of the league contenders this season.
For more expert analysis and news on West Ham United, check out Football Insider.