English
Español
Liverpool Backed by Alan Shearer to See Off West Ham United at Anfield
As Liverpool prepare to host West Ham United, the mood around Anfield feels cautiously optimistic. Arne Slot, now firmly established after delivering the Premier League title in 2024-25, faces another selection puzzle, yet the expectation from prominent voices remains clear. Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton both believe Liverpool will get the job done.
Slot’s side arrive on the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions, a sequence that has steadied nerves and sharpened belief. Yet the absence of Florian Wirtz forces a rethink, particularly given his growing influence in the final third.
Wirtz Absence and Tactical Questions
Florian Wirtz has been central to Liverpool’s attacking cohesion this season. His understanding with Hugo Ekitike has given the Reds a different dimension, blending movement with incision between the lines. Without the German, there is a sense that Ekitike can become isolated, a concern echoed by supporters who have seen how heavily Liverpool lean on that partnership.
The debate now centres on who fills the creative void. Alexis Mac Allister offers guile and invention, while Dominik Szoboszlai brings energy and steel from deeper areas. It is a classic selection dilemma, artistry versus drive, and Slot must strike the right balance against a West Ham United side scrapping near the foot of the table.
Photo: IMAGO
Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton Deliver Verdict
Writing in his Metro column, Alan Shearer was unequivocal in his backing of Liverpool. He said: “West Ham are definitely on the up form-wise whether that’s going to be enough I’m not quite sure, they’re going up against Liverpool, who had a good result last time out, away to Nottingham Forest. It has to be a Liverpool home win.
“If you offered West Ham a point now, they’d snap your hands off, but I’m not sure they’ll get one.”
Speaking to the BBC, Chris Sutton predicted a 2-1 Liverpool win and said: “Liverpool were very unconvincing at Forest, but they did nick the win. Some of their fans are still whinging about Arne Slot and he is always being compared to Jurgen Klopp, but they are actually on a decent run of results and showing a bit of spirit too.
“They are right in the mix for the top four but now they need to keep winning – I expect them to do that on Saturday.”
There is an acceptance in both assessments that Liverpool have not always dazzled, yet results matter at this stage of the campaign. Grinding out wins can define seasons.
Liverpool Record Against West Ham United
History offers further encouragement for Liverpool. The Reds have dominated this fixture across decades, winning 87 of their meetings with West Ham United, compared to 29 victories for the London club.
The last defeat came on November 7, 2021, when West Ham secured a memorable victory thanks to an Alisson own goal and strikes from Pablo Fornals and Kurt Zouma. Since then, Liverpool have largely held the upper hand, asserting control in league and cup encounters alike.
West Ham United may be 18th in the Premier League table, yet they have lost just one of their last five league matches. That uptick in form suggests resilience, but Anfield presents a different challenge. With Jeremie Frimpong back available and confidence quietly building, Liverpool will view this as an opportunity to strengthen their push for a top four finish.
Expect intensity, expect scrutiny, and if Shearer and Sutton are correct, expect a Liverpool victory to make it four wins on the spin.