Fresh from a disappointing end to Sunday’s Merseyside derby, Liverpool will be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome West Bromwich Albion to Anfield on Wednesday night. The Reds conceded a late penalty against crosstown rivals Everton, which – after being duly dispatched by Wayne Rooney – meant that their three-game winning run came to an end.
Meanwhile, the visitors have not won in any competition since August, a streak of 15 games without a victory. That has seen them cycle quickly through managers, Tony Pulis sacked in late November and temporarily replaced by Gary Megson, who in turn was relieved of command so Alan Pardew could take control.
He will certainly have his hands full here, with Jurgen Klopp getting his side into excellent form. Their 4-3-3 formation and high pressing style allows them to either retain possession comfortably or counter-attack at lightning speed, with their front line of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah looking incredible.
They have been both excellent going forward and more solid in defence when playing at home, while Klopp will be looking to retain fourth spot in the table. His team are undefeated in their last 10 Premier League matches at Anfield, while the fact they have scored more than 2.5 goals in their last four matches against West Brom in all competitions.
The Baggies are likely to sit deep and look to frustrate their opponents, Pardew almost certain to opt for a 4-5-1 framework from the outset. Set pieces will undoubtedly form their best chance of grabbing a goal, a facet of the game which is a strength for West Brom and also a glaring weakness for Klopp’s men. They have a number of threats coming from the back, including Ahmed Hegazi – a target for Liverpool – after the Egyptian has looked sharp in the air at both ends of the field.
Despite the importance and significance of the Merseyside derby, Klopp felt comfortable enough to rotate his side heavily. It may have backfired as his team dropped points but it also means that he can recall well-rested duo Philippe Coutinho and Firmino back to his starting XI, a move which will make them much more dangerous.
They will however be missing backup goalkeepers Adam Bogdan and Danny Ward, as well as right back Nathaniel Clyne, and left back Alberto Moreno. Central defender Joel Matip is also a doubt due to a recent injury, leaving Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren are likely to once again line up there.
Klopp’s most difficult decision is likely to be between starting James Milner or Andrew Robertson at full back, with the Scotland international tipped to get the nod. Meanwhile, injuries mean that Pardew will be unable to call upon winger Nacer Chadli, central midfielder James Morrison and right back Craig Dawson.
Probable Lineups:
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Henderson, Can, Coutinho; Salah, Firmino, Mane
West Bromwich Albion (4-5-1): Foster; Nyom, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Rodriguez, Livermore, Yacob, Krychowiak, McClean; Rondon
