Liverpool’s season has been defined by late drama. No Premier League side has been involved in more goals scored in the 90th minute or later than the Reds (13), with nine of those strikes directly altering match outcomes. Crucially, three of their victories have arrived in stoppage time.
Their latest came courtesy of Alexis Mac Allister, whose 97th-minute winner sealed a 1-0 triumph away at Nottingham Forest F.C.. It was a gritty performance from Arne Slot’s men, particularly after seeing an earlier effort ruled out by VAR.
Twelve months ago, Liverpool were cruising toward the title. Now, the landscape is markedly different. They sit sixth after 27 matches, level on points with Chelsea F.C. and three adrift of Manchester United F.C. in fourth. Defensive solidity has improved recently, though, with consecutive 1-0 league wins over Forest and Sunderland A.F.C..
Historically, this fixture favours Liverpool. They have lost just one of their last 19 top-flight meetings with West Ham (15 wins, three draws) and have won seven of the last eight since a 3-2 defeat in November 2021.
West Ham’s survival hopes, however, have gained momentum. Eleven points from their last six league games have revitalised their campaign. A 2-0 win at Burnley F.C. was followed by draws against Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth, leaving them 18th but just two points from safety.
An interesting tactical dynamic emerges in goal distribution patterns. West Ham have scored 59% of their league goals in the first half (19/32), the highest proportion in the division. Liverpool, by contrast, have scored just 31% of their goals before halftime — the lowest share league-wide. A strong opening period could therefore be decisive for the visitors.
Yet Anfield has historically been unforgiving territory. West Ham have won just once in their last 52 Premier League away games against Liverpool — a 3-0 success in August 2015 under Slaven Bilić. Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has also endured eight Premier League defeats against Liverpool, more than versus any other opponent.
Team News
Liverpool remain without Alexander Isak (leg), Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni (both knee), while Wataru Endo is sidelined with an ankle issue. There is optimism, however, surrounding the availability of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.Wirtz withdrew before kickoff against Forest but is expected to return to his preferred No.10 role. Frimpong’s fitness will be assessed, meaning Dominik Szoboszlai may again deputise at right-back if required.
Up front, Mohamed Salah’s drought — nine league matches without a goal — is becoming a subplot, while Hugo Ekitike has struggled for consistency. Cody Gakpo faces competition from teenage prospect Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa for a starting berth.
West Ham will be without suspended Freddie Potts. Pablo Felipe (calf) and Lukasz Fabianski (back) remain unavailable. Nuno could opt for a back five, potentially reinstating Jean-Clair Todibo alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos and Axel Disasi. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf may operate as wing-backs.
In midfield, Mateus Fernandes, Tomas Soucek and Soungoutou Magassa are competing for places, while Crysencio Summerville and captain Jarrod Bowen are expected to support striker Valentin Castellanos, who recently opened his Premier League account at Burnley.
Possible Starting Lineups
Liverpool:Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
West Ham:
Hermansen; Todibo, Mavropanos, Disasi; Wan-Bissaka, Fernandes, Magassa, Diouf; Bowen, Summerville; Castellanos
Prediction
Liverpool 2-1 West Ham
