Liverpool V West Brom Preview

Liverpool V West Brom Preview

Liverpool will be hoping to get back to winning ways after drawing 0-0 with their bitter rivals last Monday night. The Reds were left frustrated by Jose Mourinho’s tactics and they will probably face similar tactics from a West Brom side managed by Tony Pulis.

Klopp’s men have been on a good run of form, with an eight game unbeaten run in all competitions taking them only two points off the top of the league.

Saturday’s visitors to Anfield are on a good run of form too, after beating West Ham 4-2, they’ve remained unbeaten with three 1-1 draws in a row, with their latest against high flying Tottenham.

                                                TEAM NEWS

Liverpool missed Adam Lallana from the start against Manchester United because he has arguably been their player of the season so far, and he made a big difference when he came on as substitute in the second half.

Lallana could start after having a full week’s training this week.

Georginio Wijnaldum should also return to the squad, but it might be too soon for him to start after recovering from an injury he picked on international duty with Holland.

Klopp will probably want to start Lallana, so it will be interesting to see who he leaves out.

It will probably be either Daniel Sturridge or Emre Can that will be unlucky, and personally I think it will be Sturridge with Firmino playing in that central striking role, Can’s strength will be important against such a physical team as West Brom.

The defence should remain unchanged, although I expect Karius to be tested more than he was against United because West Brom will have noticed that the young German has looked vulnerable at crosses in his first few games between the sticks for the Reds.

Johnny Evans is suspended for the fixture after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend, and he is the only player missing from Tony Pulis’ squad.

Liverpool’s predicted team (4-3-3): Karius, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Henderson, Can, Lallana, Mane, Firmino, Coutinho.

West Brom’s predicted team (4-4-1-1): Foster, Nyom, McAuley, Dawson, Olsson, Fletcher, Yacob, Phillips, McClean, Chadli, Rondon.

                                           PREDICTION: LIVERPOOL 2-1 WEST BROM

I think Liverpool edge this in a tight game because under Klopp they are finding ways to win games that they used to struggle in as was in evidence at Swansea a few weeks ago.

Liverpool’s defence will be tested by West Brom’s threat from set-pieces, but Lovren and Matip are both strong in the air and are forming a good partnership in the centre of defence.

An early goal for the Reds is key and they must bounce back to winning ways after stuttering against United.