Prediction: Liverpool vs West Bromwich



Verdict: Liverpool to win to nil

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

Liverpool’s excellent run of results ended with the goalless draw against rivals Manchester United, but the Reds now have the opportunity to return to winning ways and cement a place in the top 4. West Bromwich, on the other hand, extended their unbeaten streak to four games, but that record will be seriously tested at Anfield.

Liverpool

Even if it took him a bit longer than he could have predicted, Jurgen Klopp appears to have made this team his own, and it is fair to say everybody has been impressed with Liverpool’s performances this season. The Reds’ gegenpressing style usually proves a real hassle for most opponents, and it allows the team to easily create goalscoring opportunities by catching the opposition off guard in their own half, rather than having to patiently search for an opening while their opponents defend in numbers. Bar the unexpected loss at Turf Moor, the Reds have been thoroughly impressive this season, already defeating the likes of Arsenal, Leicester City and Chelsea, while sharing spoils with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. This is enough to suggest that Liverpool are not only good enough to mount a serious top 4 challenge, but maybe finally prepared to launch an assault on the Premier League trophy and attempt to end a 26-year wait for the league title. The Reds did experience problems against defence-minded Manchester United on Monday night, but would have still won the game if it hadn’t been for David De Gea’s remarkable save, and we fully expect them to return to winning ways against West Bromwich.

Team News

Divock Origi is pushing for a start after Daniel Sturridge failed to impress against Manchester United, while Adam Lallana could also be recalled.

Georginio Wijnaldum has resumed training after recovering from a hamstring injury, while James Milner is rated doubtful at the moment.



West Bromwich

While many continue to criticise Tony Pulis’ outdated style of football, the Baggies continue to defy the odds and they find themselves in the middle of the Premier League standings after eight rounds of fixtures. The Hawthorns outfit enjoyed a perfect start to the new campaign, defeating Crystal Palace on the road, but they then went on to take just one point from next three league fixtures, while also crashing out of the EFL Cup. The Baggies have since showed a great deal of improvement, defeating West Ham 4-2 at home, before recording three straight 1-1 draws against the likes of Stoke City, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur. West Bromwich have been heavily relying on Salomon Rondon and Nacer Chadli to produce the goals as the duo scored seven of team’s nine goals this season, and if Liverpool manage to stop the two forwards, they will stand a very good chance of winning the game. But, even if they scored at least once in each of their last four fixtures, the Baggies might not be able to continue the trend at Anfield, seeing that they will be completely focused on defending in numbers and we believe their four-match unbeaten run will come to an end this weekend.

Team News

There have been no fresh injury worries for manager Tony Pulis, but key defender Jonny Evans misses out through suspension.

Key Factors to Consider

• West Brom are unbeaten in last three matches vs Liverpool (D3)
• The Baggies scored on last five visits to Anfield
• Both teams scored in West Brom’s last four matches
• Liverpool are unbeaten in last eight (W6 D2)
• Rondon and Chadli scored 7 of West Brom’s 9 goals

Conclusion

Even though past meetings and West Brom’s latest run of results would suggest they stand a good chance of scoring at Anfield, we seriously doubt they will get too many goalscoring opportunities. Liverpool have been flying high of late and their back line have done really well, so we are backing them to win to nil.

Verdict: Liverpool to win to nil

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: William Hill