Verdict: Liverpool to win to nil
Best odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Bet 365
Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from a shock defeat to Swansea in midweek when they face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday night. We make our prediction on the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield.
Liverpool
Even though Liverpool suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to bottom-placed Swansea City in the Premier League on Monday night, it was their first defeat in 19 games in all competitions. Jurgen Klopp’s team have also scored 15 goals in the past five matches but they’ll be wary of their poor recent history in the FA Cup. The Reds have been knocked out at the fourth round stage the past two seasons and they’ll be determined to ensure they don’t suffer another humiliation after losing 2-1 to Championship Wolves this time last year. Klopp will no doubt make some changes to the starting 11 on Saturday but he’ll know his side have a realistic chance of winning a trophy they haven’t had their hands on since 2006. It may be slightly more difficult than people expect with the Merseyside club having only tasted victory in two of their last seven home games in the competition, but a different kind of atmosphere is likely to be generated under the Anfield lights, edging the advantage in Liverpool’s direction.
Team News
Captain Jordan Henderson is set to make his comeback after missing the last month with a hamstring injury.
However, Adam Lallana will miss out with a minor muscle tear, as will Ragnar Klavan (muscle), and James Milner (dead leg).
Dejan Lovran, Alberto Moreno and Simon Mignolet could all make it into the starting 11.
West Bromwich Albion
After a slow start to life as West Bromwich Albion manager, Alan Pardew seems to have turned the corner after his first win against Brighton two weeks ago was followed up by a respectable draw away at Everton. There’s no doubting that the Englishman will be prioritising Premier League safety this season but at the same time he’s someone who takes the FA Cup very seriously as shown by his results in recent years. As well as reaching the final as a player with Crystal Palace in 1990, Pardew managed the feat again as a manager with the same team in 2016, and also West Ham United in 2006. The Baggies may be quietly confident of springing an upset due to the fact they have only lost once in six matches. They also gained a credible 0-0 draw against Liverpool last month and they could fancy their chances of bringing a reply back to the Hawthorns.
Team News
Jonny Evans may miss out after suffering concussion during the draw against Everton.
Nathaniel Clyne, Nacer Chadli and James Morrison are all long-term absentees.
Key Factors to Consider
- Liverpool will host West Brom for the fourth occasion in the FA Cup having not yet beaten their opposition (D2 L1)
- The Reds have won just two of their last seven FA Cup matches at Anfield (D4 L1)
- West Brom have progressed in just one of their last nine FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition
- Liverpool are now unbeaten in 19 successive games at Anfield (W12 D7)
- The Reds haven’t lost in nine games against West Bromwich Albion (W4 D5)
Conclusion
Even though they suffered a shock loss to Swansea last week, Liverpool have looked phenomenal at Anfield this season. West Brom will look to sit back and soak up the pressure so it could be a tight game with the Reds’ attacking prowess the difference.
Verdict: Liverpool to win to nil
Best odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Bet 365
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