West Ham United return to the London Stadium this weekend confronting the tough task of restoring faith under Nuno Espírito Santo, while Liverpool head into the match under mounting scrutiny after a troubling domestic run. The fixture arrives with both clubs under pressure to deliver.
West Ham’s recent form has been patchy. Their last game ended in a disappointing defeat — a performance marred by lapses at both ends of the pitch. Under Nuno, the side are trying to re-establish shape and confidence, and at home they will be hoping that familiarity and fan support can spark a response.
Liverpool, meanwhile, find themselves mired in one of their worst league spells in years. Their latest match ended in another loss, and a sequence of defeats has seen them slide down the standings as momentum evaporates. Despite spells of possession and effort, they have consistently lacked cutting edge and defensive solidity. Manager Arne Slot has admitted the team “missed conviction” in key moments and must re-find composure quickly.
On the squad front, both clubs approach with relatively stable core lineups. West Ham still manage a few lingering problems at the back, but most regulars are available and podrive Nuno to field a competitive XI. Liverpool similarly have only minor fitness concerns; Slot is expected to select from his first-choice players, hoping experience can steer the side back on track.
Tactically, West Ham under Nuno focus on organisation: structured defending, compact midfield blocks, and quick transitions through wing play when the opportunity arises. Their challenge has been maintaining consistency across 90 minutes. Liverpool’s approach under Slot remains possession-based and fluid — emphasis on pressing high, quick passing, and attacking movement. Yet in recent matches, defensive lapses and lack of sharpness upfront have undermined their efforts.
The midfield duel may be decisive. If West Ham can disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm and contest possession aggressively, they may force mistakes and build danger on transitions. Conversely, if Liverpool can control tempo, stretch play and create overloads, they could dominate territory and test the home side’s organisation repeatedly.
For West Ham, this match is a chance to begin building confidence again at home; for Liverpool, it’s a critical opportunity to arrest a damaging slide and restore belief. With pressure high on both sides, the London Stadium is set for an urgent, intense and emotionally charged encounter.
