Liverpool vs West Ham Confirmed Lineups and Team News for February 28

Anfield will stage the next twist in Liverpool’s turbulent campaign on February 28 when Arne Slot’s side welcome West Ham United for a Premier League encounter that carries very different pressures at either end of the table. Buoyed by a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, the Reds are chasing the consistency required to secure a Champions League berth, while the Hammers arrive on Merseyside desperate for points in their fight for survival.

Team-sheet release brought clarity to lingering fitness questions. Liverpool’s head coach confirmed that full-back Milos Kerkez is “completely fit” after completing 80 minutes against Forest and will start again, with Andy Robertson among the substitutes. Jeremie Frimpong, who trained fully, is also available, but Florian Wirtz will not feature. Slot admitted the setback is a blow for both club and player: “Every time my player isn’t available it’s a disappointment… he played really well.”

Opposite number Nuno Espírito Santo, meanwhile, revealed that new signing Pablo Felipe remains on an individual programme and has yet to link up with the first-team squad. “He’s improving day by day,” Nuno said. “Hopefully soon, because we miss him.” The Portuguese tactician struck an upbeat tone despite his side’s precarious position, highlighting back-to-back clean sheets against Burnley and Bournemouth plus an encouraging FA Cup run. “Saturday is a new challenge, but we’re confident,” he insisted.

Slot has opted for balance and energy. Alisson starts in goal behind a back four of Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Kerkez. The midfield trio comprises Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, while the front line is spearheaded by Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Paris Saint-Germain loanee Hugo Ekitike. Among the replacements are experienced heads like Robertson and new recruit Frimpong, plus exciting teenagers Trey Nyoni and Jayden Ngumoha.

Nuno counters with a 4-3-3 designed to tighten up further. Hermansen continues in goal, shielded by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Disasi, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Abdoulaye Diouf. Soucek anchors midfield alongside Magassa and João Fernandes, with Summerville and club-captain Jarrod Bowen flanking striker Taty Castellanos. The bench offers reinforcements in the shape of Alphonse Areola, Kyle Walker-Peters, Max Kilman and young talent such as Oliver Scarles.

Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 15:00 GMT, with both benches aware that the outcome could prove pivotal to their respective seasons.