West Ham United’s predicted XI to face Liverpool on Sunday

Last Friday, West Ham United confirmed their status as a Premier League club for one more year after a wonderful 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

That took us to mathematical safety and there was a collective sigh of relief reverberating around the London Stadium at the final whistle.

This Sunday, West Ham are back in action at the London Stadium.

The Hammers host Liverpool on Sunday in a mid-afternoon kick-off.

The Reds still have it all to play for as they try to seal a top four spot while injury-hit West Ham will be playing with freedom rather than nerves.

However, the Irons will have to make do without a number of first team players.

Among the list of absentees are key midfield trio Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate and Pedro Obiang.

Noble and Kouyate have undergone operations on respective hernia and wrist injuries after safety was confirmed.

Slaven Bilic confirmed that Andy Carroll will miss the game with a slight groin injury, joining Diafra Sakho and Michail Antonio on the sidelines.

After securing safety, Bilic will be keen to keep the momentum going but also to look at other players in his squad.

This is how we could line up against Liverpool in the match on Sunday….

CLICK HERE FOR THE XI BILIC COULD GO WITH >>

GK: Adrian

After being recalled to the starting XI, Adrian has kept three clean sheets in a row.

The Spaniard pulled off some great saves against Spurs and he should keep his place in the team.

CB: Jose Fonte

Following a shaky start to his West Ham career, Jose Fonte is finally showing his quality at the back.

The Portugal international has excelled in a back three with confident and assured displays at the heart of defence.

CB: Winston Reid

Winston Reid can consider himself unlucky not be named in the top three contenders for Hammer of the Year.

The Kiwi is an absolute rock in our defence and we are a much better and more organised unit with him in the team.

CB: James Collins

James Collins embodies passion, effort and heart.

The Welshman’s performances have been consistent and the fans’ favourite will need to continue his fine run of form against a talented Liverpool attack.

RWB: Sam Byram

Sam Byram’s season has been hampered by injuries but he is looking better in each game he plays.

Comfortable going forward or defending, the former Leeds right back could be the long-term solution to this right back problem.

CM: Edimilson Fernandes

In the absence of Obiang, Noble and Kouyate, Fernandes will probably be called upon to step into the central midfield role.

The 21-year-old Switzerland international won signing of the season and has looked at home in the Premier League when called upon.

CM: Havard Nordtveit

There were question marks about Havard Nordtveit for much of this season but his recent displays have shown us why he was so highly rated in Europe.

The Norway international is much better when playing in a holding midfield role and he will almost certainly be given an opportunity to impress again on Sunday.

LWB: Aaron Cresswell

It is unclear whether Arthur Masuaku will be fit in time for this weekend but Aaron Cresswell’s performance against Tottenham was a sign of encouragement.

The once-capped England international has lost confidence since suffering an injury earlier in the year but last Friday’s display suggests that we might be seeing the best of him again.

RAM: Andre Ayew

Now that we are mathematically safe, Bilic might look at alternative attacking options like Sofiane Feghouli or Robert Snodgrass.

But Ayew is improving with each game and needs the regular playing time to build up his confidence again.

LAM: Manuel Lanzini

Undoubtedly the attacking star in this West Ham side, we will be relying on Manuel Lanzini for our creativeness up front.

The skillful Argentine scored the winner against Spurs and has had another outstanding season for the Hammers.

ST: Ashley Fletcher

With Andy Carroll out injured, Bilic needs to decide whether to persevere with Jonathan Calleri or give Ashley Fletcher a go.

After Fletcher caused Spurs problems with his pace and strength towards the end of last Friday’s game, he might well have earned himself a start on Sunday.