West Ham United vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch | OneFootball

West Ham and Liverpool Set for Crucial Premier League Clash

Pressure Rising as Liverpool Seek Stability

This Premier League meeting between West Ham and Liverpool arrives at a moment when both clubs are moving through very different emotional landscapes. Liverpool, reigning champions less than six months ago, travel to London carrying the weight of three consecutive defeats and a wider decline that stretches beyond one bad spell. A 4-1 loss to PSV in midweek added another layer of concern, not only because of the scoreline but because it followed back to back 3-0 defeats to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. Nine defeats in twelve matches explain why confidence has drained so suddenly.

Arne Slot’s position has inevitably come under scrutiny. Managers at this level always talk about process, identity and patience, but results impose different pressures. Liverpool are now eleven points off the Premier League summit, and their title defence has moved from uncertain to implausible in the space of a fortnight. Slot will be conscious that responses must now be immediate rather than philosophical.

West Ham’s Growing Momentum

For West Ham, the mood has changed in the opposite direction. Nuno Espirito Santo has guided his side to three matches unbeaten, including two consecutive home wins that have rebuilt some rhythm at the London Stadium. The tactical cohesion that seemed elusive earlier in the season has begun to settle, particularly with greater balance in their wide areas. As one analyst noted during their draw at Bournemouth, “West Ham look more comfortable in transitions than at any point this season.”

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The Hammers have received a timely fitness boost with Crysencio Summerville expected to return to training after his calf strain. Lucas Paqueta is also available after suspension and could shape the tempo from midfield. Niclas Fullkrug remains unavailable due to a thigh injury, which means Callum Wilson is likely to lead the line again after his brace on the south coast.

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Liverpool’s Injury Concerns Continue

Liverpool’s injury list shows no sign of easing. Hugo Ekitike limped off against PSV with a back problem, while Alisson Becker missed the same match with illness and now faces a race to be ready. Florian Wirtz, Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong remain sidelined, and Alexander Isak is expected to return to the starting eleven still searching for his first league goal for the club. The team’s structural issues have been amplified by these absences, especially in moments of defensive transition where Liverpool previously excelled.

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Prediction and Tactical Outlook

Slots tactical history against Nuno is an uncomfortable part of the story. The Dutchman failed to win either meeting with Nottingham Forest last season and may find that pattern difficult to break here given Liverpool’s fragility and West Ham’s regained confidence. The match feels poised to be controlled through midfield pressure rather than wide attacking patterns, with both sides seeking to protect vulnerable areas rather than dominate early.

A draw feels likely, perhaps 1-1, a result that offers stability for one side and frustration for the other.

Head to Head and Historical Framing

Liverpool beat West Ham three times last season, including a 5-0 victory in the corresponding fixture. Yet history offers little reassurance for a side struggling to rediscover its identity. West Ham have beaten Liverpool 29 times in total, while Liverpool have won 86 meetings, with 38 draws between them.