This late-February Premier League fixture sees struggling West Ham United travel to Anfield to face a title-chasing Liverpool F.C. side with plenty on the line. From historical dominance to current form and tactical nuances, this matchup has layers worth unpacking ahead of kick-off. What’s the best bet in Saturday’s West Ham United vs. Liverpool matchup?
West Ham United vs. Liverpool — February 28, 2026
📅 Matchday: Saturday, February 28, 2026
📍 Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
⚽ Odds:
- Liverpool — -236
- West Ham United — +650
- Draw — +440
- Over/Under 3.5 Goals
Liverpool — Title Aspirations, Home Power
Liverpool arrive as clear favourites — and for good reason.
📌 Form & Consistency:
- Recent years have seen Liverpool control this fixture, winning roughly 70%+ of head-to-head matchups.
- This season the Reds have been strong at Anfield, unbeaten in a high percentage of home games, with multiple dominant performances against West Ham in recent meetings.
- Their latest run: Liverpool have won four of their last five matches, showing improved defensive discipline while scoring regularly.
Tactically, Liverpool under Arne Slot display a fluid shape that emphasizes:
- Quick transitions on the wings
- Midfield control
- High pressing to force turnovers in dangerous areas
This blend has translated into consistent attacking output and defensive organization, particularly at home where Anfield’s atmosphere amplifies pressure on visiting teams.
West Ham — Relegation Fight & Recent Resurgence
West Ham’s season has been a struggle — currently within the relegation zone and fighting desperately for points.
But there are signs of life:
✔ Four matches unbeaten in all competitions
✔ Away goals in recent away games
✔ Improved defensive displays in select matches
West Ham’s key offensive threats — notably Jarrod Bowen, who has been central to their goal involvement in recent Hammers vs. Liverpool meetings — can cause problems if given space.
Still, West Ham’s inconsistency — especially away from home — paints them as underdogs in this matchup. Their season stats show a relatively modest goal output and more goals conceded than goals scored, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
Head-to-Head Dynamics
When these sides meet, Liverpool historically have had the edge:
- Liverpool have dominated the overall head-to-head record.
- Recent Premier League meetings often end with Liverpool victories.
- West Ham’s last win over the Reds came years ago.
But this matchup has seen moments of competitiveness, and West Ham have scored in consecutive away fixtures — a slight sign that they won’t be totally passive in attack.
Key Tactical Battles
Midfield Control
Liverpool’s midfield — often full of energy, ball retention, and progressive passing — will look to dominate possession. West Ham’s shape will likely aim to disrupt this rhythm and transition quickly.
Goal Threats
- Liverpool attackers have demonstrated an ability to score from various phases — counterattacks, set pieces, and sustained possession.
- West Ham’s forwards thrive on rapid transitions and can be dangerous if Liverpool leave gaps in transition.
Defensive Ironing
Liverpool have tightened defensively of late, conceding fewer goals and showing discipline in structure. West Ham’s defensive shape can keep games competitive, but a single lapse could be costly against a team with Liverpool’s firepower.
Betting Angles & Trends
Match Winner
Liverpool are rightly favourites, with historical dominance and current form pointing to a home win.
Over/Under 3.5 Goals
Most statistical models and recent head-to-head data suggest that this fixture doesn’t typically explode for high totals, even if both sides have shown goal production over time. The Under 3.5 goals line fits Liverpool’s disciplined defense and West Ham’s struggle to score multiple goals away.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
There is value to consider both sides netting — Liverpool’s attacking depth combined with West Ham’s recent goal involvement makes this a realistic scenario.
Final Prediction
Taking into account form, tactical trends, H2H history, and current Premier League context:
Predicted Score:
Liverpool 2 — 0 West Ham United
Rationale:
- Liverpool’s home advantage and superior attacking structure should produce the decisive edge.
- West Ham’s resurgence and goal threat may create moments of pressure — but not enough to overturn the Reds at Anfield.
If West Ham can score early and frustrate Liverpool’s buildup, this could become a tighter, more competitive contest — however, the Reds’ quality and momentum make them the most plausible winner.