Liverpool vs West Ham Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 28 February

Liverpool will host West Ham in a crucial Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday, 28 February. This match is set to be a significant encounter, as both teams aim to secure vital points in their league campaigns. Liverpool, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their Anfield advantage, while West Ham will be eager to challenge and disrupt the hosts’ plans.

The Premier League fixture between Liverpool and West Ham at Anfield promises to be an intriguing battle. With Liverpool’s strong home record and West Ham’s ambitions to climb the league table, this matchup could have important implications for both sides. Fans and punters alike will be keen to see how these two English teams perform in this key encounter.

Liverpool vs West Ham Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Liverpool to lead at half-time	1.85

Given Liverpool’s strong home record and West Ham’s defensive struggles, backing Liverpool to lead at the end of the first half is a solid choice. Liverpool have led at half-time in 50% of their home games this season, and West Ham have been conceding goals at an average of 1.9 per game.

• Liverpool have a high scoring rate at home, finding the net in 77% of their matches.
• West Ham’s defensive issues, with 49 goals conceded in 27 games, make them vulnerable early on.
• Liverpool’s current form and need for points to secure a Champions League spot add extra motivation.

Betting Odds

Liverpool are clear favourites in this Premier League clash at Anfield, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage. West Ham, while considered underdogs, have been known to spring surprises, making their odds tempting for those seeking an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Liverpool to win	1.4
Draw	5.13
West Ham to win	6.77

The match odds also suggest a potential for goals, with Liverpool’s attacking prowess likely to be on full display. Punters might find value in markets such as over 2.5 goals or Liverpool to win with a clean sheet.

Liverpool Analysis & Past Performance

Liverpool’s recent form has been impressive, with four wins in their last five matches, highlighting their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Their victories include a 1-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest and a convincing 3-0 win against Brighton in the FA Cup. During this run, Liverpool have demonstrated a robust attack, averaging 2.00 goals per game, while maintaining a sturdy defence, conceding only 0.60 goals per match.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nottingham Forest	Liverpool	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	22 Feb 2026
Liverpool	Brighton	3 – 0 (Win)	FA Cup	14 Feb 2026
Sunderland	Liverpool	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	11 Feb 2026
Liverpool	Manchester City	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	8 Feb 2026
Liverpool	Newcastle	4 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	31 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Liverpool’s home performance has been strong, with three wins out of their last five home fixtures, contributing to a win ratio of 0.60 at Anfield. The team has managed to score in all of their last five games, showcasing consistency in front of goal, with Hugo Ekitike leading the charge with 10 goals this season. Defensively, they’ve secured three clean sheets in their last five encounters, indicating a solid backline.

In terms of overall team dynamics, Liverpool are currently positioned 6th in the Premier League, with 45 points, reflecting a competitive upper-mid-table ranking. The team’s ability to control possession and create scoring opportunities has been pivotal, as evidenced by their 53% possession in their latest outing against Nottingham Forest. Liverpool’s tactical adaptability and balanced approach make them a formidable opponent in the league.

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Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries

Liverpool will be without several players due to injuries, which may necessitate tactical adjustments. Joel Matip’s absence for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury is a significant blow to their defensive options. Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo, both sidelined until early May, further thin the midfield ranks, potentially impacting Liverpool’s ability to control the game from the centre.

In the attacking department, the absence of Alexander Isak with a broken leg until mid-April removes a dynamic option up front, although the starting lineup still boasts the likes of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo to provide firepower. Jeremie Frimpong’s doubtfulness due to a muscle injury adds another layer of concern, especially in terms of squad rotation and depth.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Joel Matip	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Stefan Bajcetic	Hamstring injury	Early May 2026
Giovanni Leoni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early August 2026
Jayden Danns	Hamstring injury	Unknown
Alexander Isak	Broken leg	Mid April 2026
Conor Bradley	Knee injury	Out for season
Jeremie Frimpong	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Wataru Endo	Broken ankle	Early May 2026

With these key players unavailable, Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, may need to rely on his squad’s versatility. Players like Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch will be crucial in stepping up to fill the midfield void, while defensive duties will heavily fall on the shoulders of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. This reshuffling could influence betting markets, as the team’s depth will be tested against West Ham’s competitive lineup.

Liverpool Key Players

Liverpool’s attacking prowess this season has been spearheaded by Hugo Ekitike, the team’s top scorer with 10 goals. Ekitike, playing as a forward, is known for his clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps with his pace and agility. His presence in the box will be crucial against West Ham’s defence. Supporting him in attack, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo offer creativity and goal-scoring threats from the flanks, with Salah’s dribbling and Gakpo’s vision being pivotal.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to dominate the central areas. Gravenberch’s physicality and passing range provide a strong link between defence and attack, while Mac Allister’s tactical intelligence and ball control help in maintaining possession and dictating the tempo. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk remains the linchpin, with his leadership and aerial ability being vital in organising the backline and repelling West Ham’s attacks.

Expected lineup for Liverpool

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defence: Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Ibrahima Konaté, Dominik Szoboszlai
• Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo
• Forward: Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool Tactics and Formation

Liverpool Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Hugo Ekitike
• Midfield Pivot: Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions.

Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to maximise their attacking prowess while maintaining defensive stability. The midfield pairing of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister offers both creativity and defensive cover, crucial for controlling the game’s tempo. Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo provide width and support for Mohamed Salah in the attacking third.

Defensively, Liverpool rely on the leadership of Virgil van Dijk and the athleticism of Ibrahima Konaté at the heart of the defence. Full-backs Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, providing width and support during attacking transitions.

Offensively, Liverpool employ a high pressing strategy, often forcing errors from the opposition and quickly transitioning into attack. This approach has been particularly effective, as evidenced by their three clean sheets in the last five games, showcasing their defensive resilience and ability to capitalise on opponents’ mistakes.

West Ham Analysis & Past Performance

West Ham’s recent form has been a mix of resilience and inconsistency, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions. The team managed to secure a 0-0 draw against Bournemouth in their latest Premier League outing, indicating a solid defensive display despite struggling to find the back of the net.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	Competition	Date
West Ham	Bournemouth	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	21 Feb 2026
Burton	West Ham	0 – 0 (Extra time: 0 – 1) (Win)	FA Cup	14 Feb 2026
West Ham	Manchester United	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	10 Feb 2026
Burnley	West Ham	0 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	7 Feb 2026
Chelsea	West Ham	3 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	31 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• DWDWL

West Ham have averaged 1.20 goals per game in their last five outings, showcasing a moderate attacking threat. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 0.80 goals per match, with three clean sheets to their name, highlighting their ability to maintain defensive solidity. Away from home, they have been relatively better, winning three out of their last five away fixtures. However, their inconsistent scoring ability remains a weakness, compounded by their position in the league, sitting 18th with 25 points.

West Ham Suspensions & Injuries

West Ham’s squad is currently dealing with a couple of significant absences that could influence their approach against Liverpool. Freddie Potts is suspended following a red card, with two matches remaining in his ban. His absence in midfield might necessitate a shift in dynamics, possibly pushing Tomáš Souček into a more defensive role to cover for Potts’ usual responsibilities.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Freddie Potts	Red card	2	TBD

In terms of injuries, Pablo Felipe is sidelined with a minor injury, expected to return by mid-April. His absence affects West Ham’s attacking options, limiting their depth and versatility on the wings. The team might look towards Crysencio Summerville to step up in Pablo’s absence, potentially altering their attacking formations to adapt to this change.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Pablo Felipe	Minor injury	Mid-April 2026

These unavailabilities could have a tactical impact on West Ham’s strategy at Anfield, where maintaining a solid defensive structure will be crucial. With Liverpool’s potent attacking threat, West Ham will need to ensure their replacements can effectively fill the gaps left by the suspended and injured players. This might influence betting markets, with potential expectations of a more conservative approach from West Ham.

West Ham Key Players

West Ham’s top scorer, Jarrod Bowen, has been instrumental with 8 goals this season, showcasing his ability to exploit defensive gaps with his pace and precision. Operating from the right wing, Bowen’s role as a playmaker is crucial, not only in scoring but in linking up play with the forward line, particularly with striker Valentín Castellanos, who is expected to lead the attack. Castellanos’ physicality and knack for finding space will be vital in breaking down Liverpool’s defence.

In midfield, Tomáš Souček provides a blend of defensive solidity and aerial threat on set pieces, making him a key figure in both defensive and attacking transitions. Souček’s partnership with Mateus Fernandes will be essential in controlling the midfield and dictating the tempo of the game. Defensively, Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s tackling and pace make him a formidable opponent for any winger, adding a layer of resilience to West Ham’s backline.

Expected lineup for West Ham:

• Goalkeeper: Mads Hermansen
• Defence: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Axel Disasi, Malick Diouf
• Midfield: Mateus Fernandes, Tomáš Souček, Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen, Soungoutou Magassa
• Forward: Valentín Castellanos

West Ham Tactics and Formation

West Ham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Valentín Castellanos
• Midfield Pivot: Tomáš Souček and Mateus Fernandes
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Solid defensive setup and counter-attacking potential.

West Ham’s 4-2-3-1 formation, under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo, provides a balanced structure with Tomáš Souček and Mateus Fernandes anchoring the midfield. This setup allows them to be defensively robust while facilitating quick transitions to attack.

Defensively, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Malick Diouf offer width and defensive cover from the full-back positions, while Konstantinos Mavropanos and Axel Disasi form a solid central defensive partnership. This tactical configuration has enabled West Ham to maintain three clean sheets in their last five matches, showcasing their defensive resilience.

Offensively, West Ham’s strategy revolves around counter-attacks, with Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville providing pace and creativity on the wings. Valentín Castellanos serves as the focal point upfront, capitalising on the service from the attacking midfield trio.

Liverpool vs West Ham Head-to-Head Record

In their last 50 encounters, Liverpool have dominated the head-to-head record with 35 wins compared to West Ham’s 7, alongside 10 draws. The most recent meeting saw Liverpool secure a 2-0 victory at West Ham in the Premier League. This fixture has been largely one-sided, with Liverpool’s attacking prowess evident in their 115 goals scored against West Ham’s 49.

The last time these two met at Anfield, Liverpool came out on top with a 2-1 win in April 2025, continuing their strong home form against the Hammers. Historically, West Ham have struggled at Anfield, and Liverpool will be looking to maintain this trend.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
West Ham United	Liverpool	0 – 2	Premier League	2025-11-30
Liverpool	West Ham United	2 – 1	Premier League	2025-04-13
West Ham United	Liverpool	0 – 5	Premier League	2024-12-29
Liverpool	West Ham United	5 – 1	EFL Cup	2024-09-25
West Ham United	Liverpool	2 – 2	Premier League	2024-04-27