Nuno Recalls Todibo: West Ham Predicted XI vs Liverpool East London 2026

Key Points

• Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to keep the majority of his starting line-up unchanged for West Ham United’s match against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
• West Ham drew 0-0 with Bournemouth at the London Stadium last Saturday, a frustrating result for the Hammers.
• The upcoming fixture against Arne Slot’s Liverpool presents a significant challenge, as the Reds have won their last two league games and are pursuing a top-five finish in the Premier League.
• Nuno Espirito Santo trusts his core group of players and may recall Jean-Clair Todibo to the starting XI as part of a tactical change in formation.
• The predicted West Ham XI reflects confidence in the squad despite the tough away test at Anfield.

East London (East London Times) February 25, 2026 – West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo is set to maintain most of his starting line-up when the Hammers travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday, despite a goalless draw against Bournemouth at the London Stadium last weekend. This decision underscores Nuno’s faith in his core players amid a demanding Premier League schedule. A potential tactical tweak could see defender Jean-Clair Todibo recalled to bolster the backline in a changed formation.​

Why Is Nuno Espirito Santo Sticking with His Core Line-Up?

Nuno Espirito Santo’s approach prioritises continuity after West Ham’s stalemate with Bournemouth, which ended 0-0 at the London Stadium last Saturday. As detailed in coverage by West Ham Zone journalists, the Hammers’ manager views the draw as frustrating but not a reason for wholesale changes ahead of the Liverpool clash.

“Nuno will certainly trust his core group of players,”

the report states, highlighting his confidence despite the upcoming test against Arne Slot’s side.​

Liverpool, under Arne Slot, have momentum with victories in their last two league outings, fuelling their push for a top-five spot in the Premier League table.

This context amplifies the challenge for West Ham, yet Nuno remains steadfast. No direct quotes from Nuno Espirito Santo appear in the initial reporting, but the analysis suggests his strategy focuses on squad reliability rather than panic adjustments.

What Formation Change Involves Recalling Jean-Clair Todibo?

Jean-Clair Todibo’s potential recall represents the key alteration in Nuno’s plans, as per the West Ham Zone preview. The defender, who has featured sporadically, could slot back into the starting XI to address defensive vulnerabilities exposed in recent matches.

“This may include recalling Jean-Clair Todibo to the team,”

the article notes, linking the move to a broader shift in formation designed for the Anfield cauldron.​

Todibo’s inclusion would likely reinforce West Ham’s backline against Liverpool’s attacking prowess. While specific tactical diagrams are not provided in the source, the emphasis on a “change of formation” implies adaptability, possibly shifting to a more defensive setup to counter the hosts’ recent form. Nuno’s trust in Todibo aligns with his policy of backing experienced core players.

How Did West Ham’s Draw with Bournemouth Influence Team Selection?

The 0-0 draw against Bournemouth at the London Stadium last Saturday looms large in Nuno’s thinking. Described as “frustratingly” uneventful, the result highlighted West Ham’s struggles to break down organised defences. West Ham Zone coverage points out that

“their next test certainly won’t be straightforward either,”

framing the Liverpool game as an escalation in difficulty.​

Despite the lack of goals, Nuno is unlikely to overhaul his XI, opting instead for minimal tweaks like Todibo’s return. This philosophy stems from a desire to build cohesion within the squad. Bournemouth’s resilience at the London Stadium serves as a cautionary tale, but Nuno’s unchanged majority line-up signals belief in incremental improvements over radical surgery.

Who Is Arne Slot, and Why Does Liverpool Pose Such a Threat?

Arne Slot’s Liverpool enter the match in strong form, having secured wins in their previous two league fixtures. Their pursuit of a top-five finish adds urgency, making Anfield a fortress West Ham must breach. As reported by West Ham Zone, Slot’s team combines recent momentum with home advantage, presenting “a tough” assignment for the Hammers.​

Slot, Liverpool’s manager, has instilled a winning mentality since taking charge, with the Reds chasing European qualification spots. Nuno Espirito Santo now

“faces up against Arne Slot’s Liverpool,”

per the preview, underscoring the tactical duel ahead. No statements from Slot are quoted, but Liverpool’s trajectory amplifies the stakes for West Ham.

What Is the Predicted West Ham XI Against Liverpool?

The predicted starting XI for West Ham reflects Nuno’s continuity with a Todibo twist. While exact line-ups are speculative, the West Ham Zone analysis anticipates the majority unchanged from the Bournemouth draw, incorporating the French defender’s recall. Core players trusted by Nuno form the backbone, adapted for Anfield’s demands.​

In goal, the reliable shot-stopper from the Bournemouth match is expected to retain his place. Defensively, Todibo’s return could anchor a reshaped back four or three, flanked by familiar faces. Midfield and attack will lean on proven performers, balancing defence against Liverpool’s threat. This setup prioritises solidity without abandoning ambition.

When and Where Is the West Ham vs Liverpool Clash Taking Place?

The fixture unfolds at Anfield on Saturday, following West Ham’s London Stadium draw. As previewed by West Ham Zone, the timing – shortly after the Bournemouth stalemate – leaves little recovery margin for Nuno’s squad. Anfield’s atmosphere will test the Hammers’ resolve early in the Premier League calendar.​

No additional scheduling details emerge from other sources, but the Saturday slot aligns with standard Premier League programming. Travel to Merseyside adds logistical strain, yet Nuno’s unchanged line-up suggests preparedness.

Why Does Nuno Trust His Core Group of Players?

Nuno Espirito Santo’s faith in his core group stems from their collective experience and recent showings, even in the Bournemouth deadlock. West Ham Zone explicitly states,

“Nuno will certainly trust his core group of players,”

positioning this as the bedrock of his selection strategy.​

This trust manifests in minimal changes, with Todibo as the exception to refresh dynamics. The manager’s tenure emphasises stability, viewing the squad as equipped for high-stakes games like Anfield. No dissenting views appear in the reporting, reinforcing Nuno’s neutral, pragmatic outlook.

How Does Todibo’s Recall Fit into West Ham’s Tactical Evolution?

Jean-Clair Todibo’s potential start signals Nuno’s willingness to evolve tactically without disrupting harmony. The “change of formation” mentioned by West Ham Zone ties directly to this move, aiming to neutralise Liverpool’s attacks.​

Todibo, a versatile defender, brings composure and ball-playing ability, qualities vital away from home. His recall follows bench or substitute roles, indicating Nuno’s rotation policy. This adjustment could deploy a back three, offering flexibility against Slot’s system.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for West Ham at Anfield?

Anfield presents multifaceted hurdles: Liverpool’s form, crowd intensity, and title aspirations. West Ham Zone warns the match “will prove to be tough for the Hammers,” capturing the consensus on its severity.​

Nuno’s strategy mitigates these via trusted players and subtle shifts like Todibo. Bournemouth’s draw exposed finishing issues, which could recur against Liverpool’s defence. Yet, the Hammers’ resilience offers hope.

Who Are the Key Players to Watch in West Ham’s XI?

Beyond Todibo, West Ham’s core includes stalwarts who started against Bournemouth. Their identities – unnamed in granular detail by West Ham Zone – underpin Nuno’s predictions. Expect midfield generals and forwards reliant on service to shine.​

Todibo emerges as the focal point, his recall potentially decisive. Liverpool stars will target weaknesses, but West Ham’s unity could frustrate.

What Have Recent Results Told Us About Both Teams?

West Ham’s 0-0 with Bournemouth contrasts Liverpool’s two wins, per West Ham Zone. The Hammers’ draw was “frustrating,” while the Reds chase top-five glory.​

This form gap informs Nuno’s caution. No broader stats are cited, but the narrative stresses Liverpool’s edge.

In piecing together this preview from West Ham Zone’s detailed analysis, Nuno Espirito Santo emerges as a measured tactician, balancing trust with adaptation. Todibo’s recall injects freshness into a stable XI, primed for Anfield’s rigours. As East London eyes the Hammers’ fortunes, the match promises intrigue in the Premier League’s unforgiving landscape.