Jarrod Bowen To Start? | West Ham United’s Predicted Starting XI vs Liverpool

Anfield, 28 February 2026. West Ham United arrive on Merseyside convinced they can derail Liverpool’s steamrolling Premier League campaign, even after being stripped of two influential figures. Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo must plan without suspended right-back Freddie Potts and creative midfielder Pablo, who is nursing a calf strain that should keep him out until mid-March. Yet the Portuguese tactician believes the depth at his disposal can still trouble the division’s pacesetters, and all signs point to a disciplined 4-2-3-1 structure designed to absorb pressure and strike on the break.

Between the posts, Mads Hermansen is set for a busy evening, shielded by a back four brimming with top-flight know-how. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s defensive diligence will be required down the right, while the imposing centre-half pairing of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Axel Disasi has been tasked with subduing Liverpool’s direct runners. On the opposite flank, Malick Diouf’s recovery pace is viewed as essential against a side that transitions from defence to attack in a blur.

In front of them, the double pivot of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa is expected to sit deep, circulate possession and break up opposition moves before they reach the penalty area. Fernandes offers composure in tight quarters; Magassa provides the legs to press and intercept.

Further forward, Tomas Soucek operates as the advanced midfielder, charged with linking play and timing late bursts into the box—an aerial weapon on set pieces and second balls. The wide assignments fall to two in-form operators: Jarrod Bowen, whose relentless pressing and ability to drag full-backs out of line has become a hallmark of Nuno’s counter-attacking blueprint, and Crysencio Summerville, whose raw pace and willingness to cut inside on his stronger right foot give West Ham a dual threat on the break.

Leading the line, Valentin Castellanos will look to stretch the Liverpool rearguard with intelligent runs and physicality, offering a focal point when the Hammers win back possession and look to release their flying wingers.

With Bowen confirmed to start, the visitor’s game plan is clear: stay compact, frustrate the league leaders, and pounce when space opens behind the advancing full-backs. Execution over 90 minutes will determine whether West Ham leave Anfield with a statement result.

West Ham predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Fernandes, Magassa; Bowen, Soucek, Summerville; Castellanos.