A revitalised Liverpool continue their push for UEFA Champions League qualification when they welcome struggling West Ham United to Anfield in a Premier League encounter with contrasting stakes. While the hosts are building momentum in the race for a top four finish, the visitors arrive desperate for points as they attempt to escape the relegation zone.
Match News and Current Form
Liverpool showed resilience and composure last weekend, securing a dramatic 1-0 victory away to Nottingham Forest thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s decisive strike deep into stoppage time. The late goal highlighted their growing belief and consistency, extending a run that has now produced three consecutive clean sheets and five wins in six matches across all competitions.
Manager Arne Slot has seen his side close the gap to the top four to just three points. Returning to Anfield is another significant boost, as Liverpool have lost only once in their last ten matches on home soil. “We are showing maturity in key moments and the players are responding well to pressure,” Slot said. “But every game now is like a final for us.”
West Ham’s situation is far more precarious. Currently 18th, the London side have drawn their last two league fixtures and will feel they missed opportunities to move clear of danger. A late equaliser conceded in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United was followed by a frustrating stalemate against AFC Bournemouth despite dominating the chances.
The Irons have still collected 11 points from their last six league matches, a significant improvement compared to earlier in the campaign. However, this trip represents one of their toughest remaining challenges. They have lost 26 of their 29 away matches against the previous season’s Premier League champions, underlining the scale of the task.
Head to Head History
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, winning nine of their last ten meetings. Their overall home record is even more imposing, with just one defeat in the last 58 Anfield encounters against West Ham.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Liverpool have been particularly dangerous late in matches, scoring 13 Premier League goals in the 90th minute or later this season, more than any other team ahead of the weekend. Despite their attacking threat, matches at Anfield have often remained controlled, with only two of their 13 home league fixtures producing more than 3.5 total goals.
Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has struggled in this fixture historically, losing eight Premier League matches against Liverpool, his highest total against any opponent. West Ham’s away games have also tended to be tight, with just two of their 13 league fixtures on the road producing more than 3.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Forward Cody Gakpo has an impressive scoring record against West Ham, netting four times in previous meetings, with most of those goals coming after the break. All seven of his club goals this season have also arrived in the second half, highlighting his ability to influence games late.
For the visitors, captain Jarrod Bowen remains their primary attacking outlet. He has scored twice at Anfield in the past and will look to strike early, having netted his last four goals inside the opening 30 minutes of matches.
Liverpool could be boosted by the return of Florian Wirtz, who is reportedly in line to feature after missing the previous game. West Ham will continue without Freddie Potts due to suspension.
Betting Analysis
Liverpool’s strong home form and defensive solidity make them clear favourites. With both teams involved in several tight, low scoring fixtures, a Liverpool win combined with under 3.5 total goals appears a sensible option.
This fixture carries major significance at both ends of the table. Liverpool will aim to maintain their surge toward the Champions League places, while West Ham must show resilience and clinical finishing if they are to keep their survival hopes alive.
