West Ham welcome the beleaguered Premier League champions to east London this afternoon, aiming to become the latest team to snatch a famous scalp. Liverpool head to the London Stadium having lost seven of their last eight top-flight games, in what has been a remarkable and shocking decline from the supposed best team in the land, who sit all the way down in 13th place to pile the pressure on Arne Slot.
With Mohamed Salah misfiring, Florian Wirtz injured, Hugo Ekitike having picked up a knock in the Champions League humiliation by PSV Eindhoven in midweek and record signing Alexander Isak struggling to find any semblance of form, the Hammers may never have a better chance of earning a landmark win. But there will be a real air of sadness around the ground following the death of West Ham icon Billy Bonds at the age of 79, which was announced on Sunday.
Liverpool may well have looked to this game as one of their easier fixtures of the season, even if the Hammers' ship has been steadied. The Reds have scored 25 goals at the London Stadium since its opening, and you would not bet against them adding to that tally this afternoon. Follow West Ham vs Liverpool live below!
West Ham vs Liverpool latest news
- West Ham icon Billy Bonds dies aged 79
- Kick-off time: 2.05pm GMT | London Stadium
- How to watch: Sky Sports
- Early West Ham team news
- Early Liverpool team news
- Score prediction
West Ham lineup
12:58 , George FloodThe teams are in from the London Stadium...
West Ham XI: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Diouf, Magassa, Potts, Fernandes, Paqueta, Bowen, Wilson
Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Igor, Fullkrug, Guilherme, Rodriguez, Soucek, Irving
Billy Bonds obituary: Skilled hardman ruled West Ham's midfield for 20 years
12:56 , George FloodThe warning could not have been any clearer: "Six foot two, eyes of blue, Billy Bonds is after you."
Bonds, who has died aged 79, was West Ham's former captain, defender, midfielder, coach, manager and record-appearance holder.
With his sinewy frame, long hair, straggly beard and socks rolled down around his ankles, Bonds ruled the centre of the pitch at Upton Park for the best part of 20 years.
The fans whose terrace chant was dedicated to their hardman skipper knew it, and they made sure the opposition knew it as well.
West Ham to pay tribute to late legend Billy Bonds
12:25 , George FloodWest Ham have paid heartfelt tribute to their “courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader” in Billy Bonds, whom they called “one of the greatest competitors English football has ever seen”.
The club have confirmed that a period of appreciation to honour their former long-serving player, captain, coach and manager will be held ahead of today’s game against Liverpool.
A full tribute will then take place before their next home match against Aston Villa on December 14.
West Ham say further tributes will also come through their official club channels in the coming days.
The club said: “Never one to crave the limelight, he was universally loved, respected and admired by his team-mates, players and supporters, who will forever consider themselves ‘Billy Bonds’s Claret and Blue Army’.”
It is with deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts that West Ham United announces the passing this morning of legendary player, coach and manager, Billy Bonds MBE.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 30, 2025
Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.
West Ham icon Billy Bonds dies aged 79
12:13 , George FloodSome very sad news to bring you ahead of today’s game.
West Ham legend, and former captain and manager, Billy Bonds has died at the age of 79.
Bonds made 799 appearances for the Hammers during a 21-year stint as their longest-serving player between 1967-88, winning two FA Cups and the old Second Division.
He later managed West Ham between 1990-94, winning the Second Division and later promotion to the newly-formed Premier League.
“We are heartbroken to announce that we lost our beloved Dad today,” Bonds’ family said in a statement.
“He was devoted to his family and was the most kind, loyal, selfless, and loving person.
"Dad loved West Ham United and its wonderful supporters with all his heart and treasured every moment of his time at the club.
"He will always be in our hearts and eternally missed. We take comfort knowing that his legacy will live on forever."
Score prediction
11:55 , Alex YoungGiven the form Liverpool are in, Nuno Espirito Santo is perhaps the last person Arne Slot will have wanted to be standing across from him in the dugout.
The Dutchman did not win any of his meetings against Nuno when the Portuguese tactician was in charge of Nottingham Forest last season and it’s hard to make a case for it being third time lucky.
Draw, 2-2.
Early West Ham team news
11:50 , Alex YoungIn a boost for West Ham, Crysencio Summerville is expected to return to training this week.
The Dutch winger has been dealing with a calf strain and was not included in the squad for the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, but he is expected to be in contention for the visit of Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Lucas Paqueta is available after serving a one-game suspension. Striker Niclas Fullkrug still out with a thigh injury which means Callum Wilson could lead the line after his brace at the Vitality Stadium.
Early Liverpool team news
11:45 , Alex YoungLiverpool hope to welcome Florian Wirtz back from injury today, after the £116m summer signing sat out home defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven with a knock sustained while playing for Germany during the international break.
Hugo Ekitike is a doubt for the trip to east London after limping off just after the hour mark against PSV in midweek with a back problem.
Alisson Becker, who returned from injury against Forest last weekend, missed the Champions League defeat on Wednesday night through illness but is expected to be available for selection against the Hammers.
Curtis Jones may be asked to operate at right-back once again with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley out injured in addition to Joe Gomez being out of favour.
With Slot’s options in midfield and in attack rather limited, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah will likely all start against West Ham despite subdued showings in midweek.
Up front, Alexander Isak is likely to come in for Ekitike as the club’s record signing bids to get off the mark in the Premier League this season.
How to watch West Ham vs Liverpool
11:40 , Alex YoungTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports.
Coverage begins at 1pm GMT on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR ahead of kick-off at 2.05pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights shortly after the final whistle, with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.35pm GMT.
Welcome
11:34 , Alex YoungGood morning and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between West Ham and Liverpool.
The reigning champions have now lost six of their last seven in the Premier League, and the midweek 4-1 home defeat at the hands of PSV have prompted serious questions over his future.
West Ham, meanwhile, are enjoying somewhat of a revival under Nuno Espirito Santo, winning back-to-back games before letting a two-goal lead slip away at Bournemouth to draw. They will fancy their chances today.
Kick-off is at 2.05pm. Stick with us.
