Honestly, if you're looking for a fixture that consistently delivers weirdness, look no further. Liverpool vs West Ham United is one of those matchups where the form book basically becomes a paper airplane. You’d think on paper it’s a standard "big six" vs "plucky outsider" narrative, but it rarely plays out that way. It’s usually loud, often controversial, and lately, it's been a massive tactical headache for both managers.
The most recent clash at the London Stadium in late 2025 was a perfect example. Liverpool came into that game in what fans were calling a "crisis." They had lost six of their last seven league matches. Pressure was mounting on Arne Slot. Then, he does the unthinkable: he benches Mohamed Salah.
Most people thought it was a suicide mission. Instead, it was a masterstroke.
The Alexander Isak Breakthrough
Remember when Liverpool dropped £125 million on Alexander Isak from Newcastle? For months, it looked like a massive overspend. He hadn't scored a Premier League goal for the Reds heading into that November match against the Hammers. The "flop" labels were starting to stick.
But in the 60th minute, everything shifted. Florian Wirtz—who, let’s be real, had been a bit quiet since his big move—dictated the tempo and found Isak. The Swede’s finish was pure instinct. A controlled half-volley that silenced the home crowd and, more importantly, the critics.
West Ham, under Nuno Espírito Santo, had been set up to hurt Liverpool on the counter. Jarrod Bowen was the focal point, but Joe Gomez (who had been shifted to right-back due to Conor Bradley's season-ending knee injury) played out of his skin. He basically locked down that flank. It wasn't "prime Klopp" heavy metal football. It was a "boredom is better than losing" kind of performance from Slot.
The Lucas Paquetá Meltdown
You can't talk about Liverpool vs West Ham United without mentioning the drama. In that same match, Lucas Paquetá basically checked out in the most chaotic way possible.
The Brazilian No. 10, already distracted by heavy transfer interest from Flamengo and some lingering spot-fixing allegations, received two yellow cards in about sixty seconds. Both for dissent. It was a total brain fade that left West Ham with ten men just as they were trying to find an equalizer.
Cody Gakpo eventually made it 2-0 in stoppage time. It wasn't a "vintage" Liverpool win, but it stopped the rot.
Why the "Irons" Always Give Liverpool Fits
Historically, Anfield is a fortress, but West Ham has this annoying habit of making Liverpool work for every single inch. Go back to the 2024/2025 season. Liverpool were chasing the title and needed a win. They got it, but only because Virgil van Dijk headed home a corner in the 89th minute to secure a 2-1 victory.
That game was a mess. Andy Robertson scored an own goal. Niclas Füllkrug hit the crossbar in the dying seconds. It's never simple.
Head-to-Head: By the Numbers
If you like stats, the history here is heavily skewed, but the recent games tell a different story.
- Total Meetings: 154 competitive games.
- Liverpool Wins: 87
- West Ham Wins: 29
- Draws: 38
The biggest win for Liverpool was a 6-0 thrashing back in 1984, but West Ham still holds the "all-time weirdest result" with a 7-0 win over the Reds... back in 1930. Yeah, it’s been a while.
The real stat that matters for the 2026 season? Liverpool has won nine of the last ten meetings. However, three of those were decided by a single goal. West Ham has "smelt blood" recently because of Liverpool’s injury crisis.
The Injury Crisis Looming Over the Next Matchup
Right now, as we head into early 2026, the squads look like they’ve been through a war zone. If you're following the team news for the next Liverpool vs West Ham United showdown, the list is grim.
Liverpool is currently without:
- Conor Bradley (Knee - out for the season)
- Alexander Isak (Broken leg - recovering from surgery)
- Giovanni Leoni (ACL)
- Jeremie Frimpong (Hamstring issues)
Slot has been forced to get creative. We’ve seen Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai filling in at right-back. It’s functional, sure, but it’s not ideal when you’re facing a team that thrives on width.
On the Hammers' side, the Paquetá situation is a dark cloud. Nuno basically said they need to "solve" the situation, but with Flamengo circling and the player missing FA Cup games with a "back problem," he’s likely not going to be the factor he once was.
Tactical Shifts: What Most People Get Wrong
People think West Ham is just a "sit back and hope" team. That’s a lazy take. Under Nuno, they’ve become much more structured in their mid-block. They don't mind Liverpool having 70% possession because they know the Reds' midfield balance has been "all over the place" lately.
The tactical battle usually happens in the transition. Liverpool used to be the kings of the counter-press. Now? They’re more of a "controlled possession" side under Slot.
Florian Wirtz is the key. When he plays in that advanced No. 10 role, he pulls West Ham’s holding midfielders (like Soucek or whoever Nuno throws in there) out of position. If West Ham stays disciplined, they frustrate Liverpool. If they chase Wirtz, Isak or Gakpo find the gaps.
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What to Watch For Next Time
If you’re heading to Anfield or tuning in for the next installment of Liverpool vs West Ham United, keep an eye on the right-back slot for Liverpool. If Joe Gomez isn't starting, West Ham will target that area relentlessly.
Also, watch the first 15 minutes. West Ham has a weird tendency to start fast, but Liverpool usually grows into the game.
Actionable Insights for the Next Match:
- Monitor the Paquetá Transfer: If he’s gone by the next kickoff, West Ham loses their primary creative outlet.
- Check the Liverpool RB Slot: If Slot is forced to use a midfielder there again, expect Jarrod Bowen to have a massive game.
- Goal Patterns: 7 of the last 8 meetings have seen over 2.5 goals. Don't expect a 0-0 bore draw.
- The Salah Factor: Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his record of 13 goals against the Hammers makes him the most dangerous man on the pitch.
This fixture isn't just a game; it's a barometer for where both clubs are. For Liverpool, it's about proving they can win without their full-strength XI. For West Ham, it's about finally breaking that "big team" ceiling that has kept them in the mid-table pack.
Make sure to verify the starting lineups exactly one hour before kickoff. With the current injury lists, a "leak" can change the betting odds and tactical expectations in seconds. Keep an eye on the fitness of Florian Wirtz, as he is currently the heartbeat of Slot's attacking transition.