Liverpool vs West Ham United: Reds Look to Respond and Reassert Title Ambitions

After a bruising week that saw Liverpool  edged by Fulham in the Premier League, the pressure is on Arne Slot’s men to produce a response — and Anfield will be bouncing with the news that Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have signed new contracts. It’s precisely the tonic the club and fanbase needed ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Ham United.

This fixture now carries more weight than just three points. The Premier League title race is entering its sharpest phase, and Liverpool must reassert themselves quickly.

Momentum Needed After Recent Setbacks

Liverpool’s defeat at Craven Cottage exposed vulnerabilities. It wasn’t just the scoreline — it was the sluggish tempo and lack of attacking fluency. Slot’s side, so often swashbuckling in recent months, suddenly looked short of both ideas and energy. Prior to that, scraping past Everton at Anfield required more resilience than rhythm.

The Champions League exit, too, has left scars. Not only was it a blow to the club’s continental ambitions, but it disrupted the psychological momentum that comes from European nights. Add to that the Carabao Cup final loss and questions inevitably arise: are Liverpool running out of steam?

That narrative may be premature, but the only way to kill it is with a commanding performance. With the Kop roaring and the atmosphere fuelled by the Salah and Van Dijk announcements, Slot will demand not just a result, but a statement.

West Ham’s Slide and Liverpool’s Opportunity

West Ham United arrive at Anfield without a win in four, having slowly slid out of contention for European places. Graham Potter’s side remain dangerous — particularly on the counter — but defensively, they’ve been far too open.

“Generous guests” might be an unfair tag, but it’s one that reflects their current fragility. Niclas Fullkrug, who scored after coming on against Bournemouth, may start and could provide a more physical threat up front. Behind him, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Mohamed Kudus have the ability to trouble Liverpool’s high line — but it’s their back four that remains the concern.

Aaron Cresswell, Crysencio Summerville, and Michail Antonio remain sidelined, further depleting Moyes’ options.

Team News and Tactical Tweaks

Liverpool will hope to welcome Alisson Becker back into the fold, after the Brazilian missed the Fulham defeat. Slot is unlikely to risk Trent Alexander-Arnold just yet, with Conor Bradley ...