Following Daniel Sturridge‘s lively cameo in Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Southampton, supporters have backed the striker to start at West Ham.
The 27-year-old came off the bench with 22 minutes to play at Anfield on Sunday, as Jurgen Klopp searched for a solution against a stubborn Saints defence.
Sturridge was in good form as he joined Roberto Firmino in attack, showcasing a vibrancy that has been absent from his game for the majority of the campaign, and Liverpool’s game in recent weeks.
He created more chances (three) than any other player, with his injection of quality giving Liverpool their best chance of finding a winner in a crucial clash.
Dropping two points at home has left Klopp’s side needing victories in their final two games of the season to guarantee finishing in the Premier League‘s top four.
Their next challenge comes away to West Ham on Sunday, and on the back of Sturridge’s display against Southampton, supporters have called for the No. 15 to start at the Olympic Stadium.
An incredible 93 percent of voters want Sturridge included in Klopp’s starting lineup for the first time in the league since January 2.
Firmino received six percent of the vote, while just one percent believe Divock Origi should keep his place as Liverpool’s No. 9.
West Ham, who have been credited with an interest in signing Sturridge this summer, have kept clean sheets in four of their last five games, successfully avoiding relegation.
Slaven Bilic’s side produced a defiant performance at home to Tottenham on Friday night, with a solitary goal from Manuel Lanzini enough to take all three points from the title contenders.
They will be hoping to do similar on Sunday, against a Liverpool side who have scored just five goals in their last five outings.
The Reds are in better form on the road, winning their last three away games, and can look to continue this in Stratford, with Sturridge seemingly their best hope.
Sturridge has been plagued with injury issues throughout 2016/17, and this has limited the striker to just five starts in the Premier League, leading to speculation over his future.
He is likely to depart at the end of the season, but Sturridge could still have a big part to play.
Origi hasn’t scored since the 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on April 5, and with his goal drought currently lasting five games, the Belgian is miserably out of form.
Sturridge would be welcome replacement, and would be given the backing of the travelling Kop.
* Results correct at time of writing.
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