West Ham XI vs Liverpool – Predicted lineup and team news

Anfield, Saturday 28 February 2026, 15:00 GMT – West Ham United arrive on Merseyside searching for only their second league victory at Liverpool since 1963 and hoping to extend a revival that has seen them collect as many points in the last six fixtures as in the previous 18. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who last season registered his sole career win over the Reds while in charge of Nottingham Forest, must reshuffle after a goalless draw with Bournemouth left his side still hovering above the drop zone.

Selection issues are pressing. January acquisition Pablo Felipe is still troubled by a calf complaint, while combative midfielder Freddie Potts begins the second game of a three-match suspension. That paves the way for Frenchman Soungoutou Magassa to retain his spot at the base of midfield, shielding a likely back five.

Denmark international Mads Hermansen will continue in goal, shielded by a trio of centre-backs: Jean-Clair Todibo, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Axel Disasi. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf are expected to provide width from wing-back positions, allowing Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville to push on in support of Valentin Castellanos. The American recently opened his Premier League account away from home and will spearhead a side that has scored 59% of its goals before half-time this term – the top-flight’s most prolific first-half return.

West Ham’s historical record against reigning champions on the road is sobering: 26 defeats in 29 such trips. Yet confidence is building, and Nuno will remind his squad that he has already engineered one shock on this ground.

Predicted West Ham XI (5-3-2): Hermansen; Todibo, Mavropanos, Disasi; Wan-Bissaka, Fernandes, Magassa, Diouf; Bowen, Summerville; Castellanos.

UK viewers will not be able to watch the contest live owing to the 3 p.m. blackout, with extended highlights airing on Match of the Day.