Liverpool vs West Ham: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 28 February 2026
One of the marquee clashes of Premier League Matchweek 28 unfolds this Saturday at the legendary Anfield, where Liverpool hosts West Ham United. The home side is locked in a fierce battle for a Champions League spot, while the visitors are desperately fighting to retain their elite status. I'm backing a total goals bet in this intriguing matchup.
Match preview
Liverpool are in red-hot form: five wins in their last six games across all competitions speak volumes about their resurgence. After a painful defeat to Manchester City, where the Reds squandered a late lead, they've rebounded with consecutive Premier League victories over Newcastle (4-1), Sunderland (1-0), and Nottingham (1-0). Add to that a 6-0 demolition of Qarabag in the Champions League and a 3-0 FA Cup triumph over Brighton. For the first time this season, Arne Slot’s men have put together three consecutive clean sheets, showcasing an impressive balance between attack and defence.
A key squad note – Florian Wirtz has avoided a serious injury and is close to returning, which will inject more creativity in the final third. With right-back issues, Dominik Szoboszlai continues to fill in on the flank without losing his creative edge. Thanks to Alisson’s reliability and the Van Dijk-Konaté partnership, Liverpool are winning with more pragmatism, steering clear of unnecessary end-to-end battles.
West Ham looked doomed not long ago, but Nuno Espírito Santo has managed to reboot their campaign. In their last eight matches across all competitions, they've lost just once – and that was to Chelsea courtesy of a 92nd-minute goal. The Hammers have picked up 11 points from a possible 18 in their last six Premier League outings, conceding just once in their last three league matches – evidence of serious structural improvements.
However, their attacking potential remains limited, and historically, Anfield is a nightmare trip: West Ham have lost their last ten visits here, conceding an average of three goals per game. On the injury front, things are almost perfect – only Pablo Felipe is out and Potts is suspended, so the visitors are set to field their strongest possible lineup. Their hope: strict discipline, compactness, and capitalising on rare transition chances.
Probable lineups
- Liverpool: Becker, Kerkez, Konaté, Van Dijk, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Gakpo, Salah, Ekitike.
- West Ham: Hermansen, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf, Fernandes, Souček, Wilson, Bowen, Summerville, Castellanos.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Liverpool have won their last ten home games against West Ham.
- Both teams have scored in seven of those ten matches.
- West Ham have lost 17 of their last 20 meetings with Liverpool in all competitions.
Prediction
Liverpool enter this fixture in excellent physical and mental shape, blending defensive solidity with attacking versatility. West Ham have improved their organisation and resilience, but the Anfield factor and gulf in class are likely to be decisive. The Hammers might make life difficult for the favourites and could find a breakthrough, but Liverpool’s dominant home run should continue.
