Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday afternoon looking to solidify their pursuit of the top four against a West Ham United side desperate to pull clear of the relegation zone.
The Reds enter the weekend in sixth place, currently level on points with Chelsea and just three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. Arne Slot’s side has found a clinical edge recently, securing consecutive 1–0 victories over Sunderland and Nottingham Forest. While they sit 21 points worse off than at this stage last season, another win today would see them record three successive top-flight victories without conceding for the first time since Slot’s first month in charge.
West Ham United, meanwhile, arrive on Merseyside buoyed by a significant revival that has yielded 11 points from their last six games—matching their total from the previous 18 matches. Despite this upturn, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men remain in 18th place, two points adrift of safety after a frustrating 0–0 draw with Bournemouth, where they failed to capitalise on a high expected goals (xG) tally. The Hammers are searching for only their second-ever Premier League win at Anfield to spark their survival bid.
Liverpool vs West Ham United – Match preview and team news
Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Referee: Tim Robinson
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Last Meeting: West Ham 0–2 Liverpool (30 Nov 2025), Premier League
Team News
Liverpool
Arne Slot confirmed that Florian Wirtz has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash as he continues to struggle with a back issue. However, the Reds are boosted by the return of Jeremie Frimpong, who is available after missing the last five matches with injury. Liverpool remain without long-term absentees Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni.
West Ham United
The Hammers are set to be without forward Pablo Felipe, who remains sidelined with a calf injury. Midfielder Freddie Potts is also unavailable as he serves the second of a three-match suspension. Experienced goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski continues to recover from a back problem. Nuno Espírito Santo may consider a tactical shift to a back five to absorb pressure at Anfield.
Form
Liverpool
Arne Slot’s men have found their defensive resolve recently, recording back-to-back 1–0 Premier League wins against Sunderland and Nottingham Forest. Notably, Liverpool’s matches have been defined by late drama this season, with a league-high 13 goals scored in the 90th minute or later. While they have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, they have struggled to start quickly, netting just 31% of their total league goals in the first half.
West Ham United
The Hammers arrive at Anfield in their best form of the campaign, having lost just one of their last six Premier League matches (W3 D2). Most recently, they played out consecutive draws against Manchester United and Bournemouth following a vital 2–0 victory at Burnley. Notably, West Ham are specialists at early strikes, scoring a league-high 59% of their goals in the opening 45 minutes. However, they face a historic hurdle today, having won just one of their last 52 away league visits to Liverpool.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
West Ham United Predicted XI: Hermansen; Todibo, Mavropanos, Disasi; Wan-Bissaka, Fernandes, Magassa, Diouf; Bowen, Summerville; Castellanos
How to Watch Liverpool vs West Ham United?
Due to the 3pm blackout in the UK, this match will not be broadcast live on television.
