Verdict: Mo Salah to score anytime
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
Having both been frustrated with respective results at the weekend, both Liverpool and WBA will be highly motivated to turn a corner in their midweek fixture.
Reds need a swift return to high-tempo football following the Merseyside derby stalemate, whereas Alan Pardew is facing a difficult reality of his new gig at West Bromwich.
Liverpool
The Reds are coming off from a frustrating weekend in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp’s men put in a low-tempo display which came as a huge contrast to their high-intensity performances witnessed over the past few weeks. Liverpool scored whopping 15 goals in their last three matches prior to the Merseyside derby and were widely expected to continue with the attacking style against Everton. In-form striker Mohamed Salah opened the scoring three minutes from half-time whistle with a sublime strike but Reds failed to keep the momentum. A dubious moment of refereeing then saw Liverpool men concede a penalty which Wayne Rooney converted to snatch away a point for Big Sam’s team. Jurgen Klopp was rather disappointed after the match but he should question his own choices as well, knowing that he made a couple of selection choices which seemingly limited his team’s attacking potential.
Team News
Philippe Coutinho is expected to return to the starting line-up after starting from the bench against Everton.
Roberto Firmino is also likely to be recalled, whereas Jurgen Klopp will be without Clyne, Matip and Moreno for the forthcoming clash.
WBA
Following a series of three successive draws in the league, West Bromwich Albion succumbed to a frustrating 1-0 defeat away at Swansea.
The out-of-sorts Wilfried Bony scored a winning goal with only nine minutes left on the clock which left the WBA new manager Alan Pardew disappointed ahead of the match in Liverpool. The trip to Anfield initiates a run of seven games in only 24 days which could prove to be crucial for Baggies’ survival chances. Pardew’s men sit in 17th place in the Premier League table, level on points (13) with West Ham who are the first team below the relegation line. Pardew rang a couple of chances at the beginning of his WBA tenure but his decision to field a 4-3-3 formation is yet to bear fruit. The Baggies only scored 12 goals in 16 matches and have widely struggled to create too many chances. A couple of notable absences may be the reason behind the lack of those but should not be taken as an alibi.
Team News
Nacer Chadli and James Morrison are still out of contention and their absence could prove to be vital for Alan Pardew.
Experienced midfielder Gareth Barry and defender Craig Dawson are also on the injury list, together with Matt Phillips who is still some way off full fitness.
Key Factors to Consider
- Liverpool scored 16 goals in last four matches
- Mo Salah scored 10 goals in his last 9 games for Liverpool
- WBA failed to win any of their last 7 away games
- Reds haven’t lost a single home match this season
- West Brom last beat LFC in 2013
Conclusion
We should expect to see a reaction from Jurgen Klopp who was rather disappointed and angry following the Merseyside derby where he felt his team were unfairly denied the victory. Liverpool have been playing the heavy-metal football over the past couple of weeks and are expected to return to their usual ways after the Everton slump.
Verdict: Mo Salah to score anytime
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
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