Ref Watch: Officials Confirmed for Liverpool vs West Ham, East London 2026

Key Points

• West Ham United face Liverpool at Anfield this weekend in a crucial Premier League match for the Hammers’ survival campaign.
• West Ham, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, drew 0-0 with AFC Bournemouth in their previous game, showcasing strong defensive form.
• Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring a late winner.
• The results position West Ham two points behind Nottingham Forest, who occupy the safety spot above the relegation zone.
• A win at Anfield could lift Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham out of the bottom three.
• Liverpool, under Arne Slot, sit three points off the Champions League qualification places.
• Match officials have been confirmed for the fixture, though specific details on referee, linesmen, VAR, and fourth official are yet to be fully disclosed in initial reports.
• Nuno Espírito Santo’s side continues to impress defensively amid their fight against relegation.
• The clash pits a resurgent Liverpool chasing European spots against a Hammers team battling for Premier League survival.

Liverpool (East London News) February 25, 2026 – West Ham United’s relegation battle intensifies as they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool this weekend, with match officials now confirmed for the high-stakes Premier League encounter. Nuno Espírito Santo’s Hammers head into the fixture on the back of a resilient 0-0 draw against AFC Bournemouth, bolstering their defensive record while leaving them two points adrift of safety. Liverpool, meanwhile, edged Nottingham Forest 1-0 courtesy of a late Alexis Mac Allister strike, keeping Arne Slot’s Reds firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification just three points away.

Who Are the Match Officials for Liverpool vs West Ham?

The Premier League has officially confirmed the full officiating team for this critical weekend clash, as first reported by Read West Ham. While specific names such as the referee, assistant referees, fourth official, and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have been appointed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), detailed announcements typically highlight experienced officials suited to the intensity of Anfield.

As per standard PGMOL practice for Gameweek 27 fixtures, the selection ensures neutrality and expertise in handling top-flight pressures. No further details from additional sources contradict this confirmation, maintaining focus on the officials’ role in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.

Why Is This Fixture Crucial for West Ham United?

West Ham’s survival hinges on this trip to Merseyside. As detailed in Read West Ham’s coverage by their match preview team, the Hammers sit precariously two points behind Nottingham Forest following their goalless draw at the London Stadium against Bournemouth. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side has impressed defensively, conceding few chances in recent outings, including the stalemate with AFC Bournemouth on February 22, 2026. A victory at Anfield would catapult West Ham out of the bottom three, providing vital breathing space in their relegation scrap. Read West Ham noted,

“A win at Anfield could take Nuno’s team out of the bottom three,”

underscoring the three points’ transformative potential.

How Did West Ham Perform in Their Last Match?

West Ham’s 0-0 draw with AFC Bournemouth highlighted their defensive solidity under Nuno Espírito Santo. According to Read West Ham’s match report from February 22, 2026, the Hammers frustrated Bournemouth throughout, keeping a clean sheet despite limited attacking threat.

This result, while not ideal for points, extended their unbeaten run in terms of avoiding defeat and kept them within touching distance of safety. Nuno Espírito Santo’s post-match comments, as linked in Read West Ham’s analysis, praised the team’s resilience: “We showed character and defended well.” The performance sets a platform for the Liverpool test, where similar grit will be essential.

What Was Liverpool’s Path to Victory Over Nottingham Forest?

Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest came via a late Alexis Mac Allister goal, as covered extensively by Read West Ham. The Reds dominated possession but struggled to break down Forest’s defence until Mac Allister’s intervention sealed the points.

This result, per the original report, did West Ham a favour by halting Forest’s momentum in the relegation fight. Arne Slot’s side now lurks three points behind the Champions League spots, with Anfield remaining a fortress. Read West Ham’s preview team observed that Liverpool “are also chasing points,” emphasising the mutual stakes despite differing objectives.

Who Is Nuno Espírito Santo and What Is His Impact at West Ham?

Nuno Espírito Santo has steadied West Ham since taking charge, transforming their fortunes through pragmatic tactics. Read West Ham’s dedicated article on February 22, 2026, quoted the Portuguese manager discussing the Bournemouth draw:

“Nuno Espírito Santo on West Ham vs AFC Bournemouth.”

His emphasis on defensive organisation has yielded results, with the Hammers now two points from safety. Facing Liverpool represents his sternest test yet, but recent showings suggest West Ham under Nuno can compete. The manager’s calm demeanour, as reported across West Ham-focused outlets, instils belief in a squad desperate for points.

Where Do Both Teams Stand in the Premier League Table?

Current standings place West Ham teetering just outside the drop zone. Read West Ham’s survival situation analysis from February 23, 2026, confirms the Hammers trail Nottingham Forest by two points after Gameweek 26. Liverpool, in contrast, occupy a top-four chasing position, three points shy of Champions League qualification.

A West Ham win would leapfrog them towards mid-table security, while Liverpool dare not drop points in their European pursuit. These positions, drawn directly from Read West Ham’s data, illustrate the chasm in ambitions yet shared urgency for victory.

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

The fixture is scheduled for this weekend at Anfield, Liverpool’s iconic home ground, as part of Premier League Gameweek 27. Exact kick-off time aligns with standard Saturday 3pm GMT slot, subject to broadcast confirmation, with full details via Read West Ham’s live coverage links.

Anfield’s atmosphere will test West Ham’s resolve, but Nuno’s preparations focus on execution. Supporters can follow build-up via official club channels and Read West Ham for real-time updates.

What Challenges Do West Ham Face at Anfield?

Anfield presents formidable hurdles for the Hammers. Liverpool’s attacking prowess under Arne Slot, bolstered by recent wins like the Forest triumph, demands defensive excellence from West Ham.

Read West Ham highlighted Arne Slot’s side as “three points off the Champions League places,” signalling their firepower. Nuno Espírito Santo’s injury concerns and squad rotation will factor in, but the Bournemouth clean sheet offers optimism. Historical data shows few away successes at Anfield, amplifying the mission’s scale.

How Have Recent Results Shaped the Relegation Battle?

West Ham’s draw and Forest’s loss have tightened the bottom. Read West Ham’s comprehensive preview notes the Hammers’ position:

“West Ham two points from safety behind Forest.”

Liverpool’s favour to the Irons via their win adds intrigue, but Arne Slot’s team prioritises their own agenda. Bournemouth’s stalemate underscores West Ham’s grit, positioning them for a potential escape. Broader league dynamics, as synthesised from Read West Ham, suggest every point counts in this phase.

Who Is Arne Slot and What Does He Bring to Liverpool?

Arne Slot has revitalised Liverpool post-Klopp, chasing silverware. Read West Ham’s report credits his side’s Forest win, with Mac Allister’s goal emblematic of tactical nous.

Three points from Champions League spots reflect Slot’s impact, making Anfield a cauldron for visitors. West Ham must counter his high-pressing style, a challenge Nuno Espírito Santo relishes.

What Role Will VAR Play in the Match?

With officials confirmed, VAR’s influence looms large in tight calls. PGMOL’s technology aids referee decisions, as standard in Premier League games per Read West Ham’s officiating note. Past controversies at Anfield heighten scrutiny, but neutral officials aim for fairness. West Ham fans recall pivotal VAR moments; execution will prove decisive.

How Can Fans Follow the Match?

Supporters access live streams via Premier League broadcasters, with Read West Ham offering blogs and updates. Anfield attendance is limited, but global Hammers faithful tune in. Nuno Espírito Santo’s pre-match briefing, linked via Read West Ham, primes excitement.

This weekend’s showdown encapsulates Premier League drama: survival versus aspiration. West Ham’s defensive resolve meets Liverpool’s ambition, with officials ensuring order. Outcomes could reshape both campaigns, as Read West Ham’s diligent coverage affirms.