How Liverpool faces the ultimate test against West Ham

Credit: @liverpoolfcw | Instagram

A sense of cautious optimism has settled over St Helens Stadium. Since the turn of the year, Gareth Taylor’s Liverpool have transformed from a side floundering at the foot of the Women’s Super League into a highly competitive outfit. On 26 April 2026, they welcome West Ham United in a fixture that offers a distinct opportunity to secure their top-flight status.

Recent form:

The stakes are exceptionally high in this relegation clash. Liverpool sit tenth on 17 points, carrying a four-point cushion over 11th-placed West Ham. A win for the hosts would establish a near insurmountable gap with just a handful of matches remaining. The hosts arrive armed with significant momentum, having suffered only two defeats across all competitions since January, both against title contenders Manchester United and Arsenal. A recent 3-2 victory in the Merseyside derby over Everton, where they stormed to a 3-0 half-time lead, has only reinforced the positive atmosphere, as has their upcoming Adobe Women's FA Cup semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion. Conversely, West Ham are winless in their last five league outings and possess a dismal away record, averaging a mere 0.4 goals scored and 2.3 conceded on their travels.

Team news:

Despite the positive run, Taylor is forced to confront significant injury concerns. Forward Martha Thomas, a January arrival, misses out with a foot injury sustained on international duty, while Gemma Bonner and Lucy Parry remain sidelined. However, the squad is boosted by the return of midfielder Ceri Holland, who brings much needed energy and progression through the middle of the pitch. Midfielder Sam Kerr remains a doubt, though positive news emerged this week regarding Marie Hobinger and Sophie Roman Haug, who are both back on the pitch following ACL injuries. Furthermore, the young talent Mia Enderby returns bolstered after winning the U23 Euros with the Lionesses.

Without Thomas, the attacking workload falls squarely on the shoulders of Beata Olsson. The Sweden international has been an absolute revelation since her summer arrival, netting ten goals in 19 appearances across all competitions. Olsson made WSL history earlier this month by becoming the first player to score four goals in her first five league starts, and her clinical movement will challenge a fragile West Ham defence. In the centre of the park, Holland’s returning presence is essential to breaking down a deep-sitting opposition block.

Tactical overview and key battles:

Liverpool favour a wide attacking approach paired with an aggressive offside trap. Under Taylor, they have solidified their foundations, conceding far fewer high-quality chances at home, where they have only conceded 11 goals in nine matches. Expect the hosts to command the ball, likely dominating upwards of 60% possession. 

West Ham, managed by Rita Guarino, are expected to sit in a low block and rely on the counter-attacking threat of Shekiera Martinez. The primary tactical battle will be contested on the flanks, as Liverpool use their width to stretch a compacted West Ham backline that has leaked a league-worst 41 goals this season.