Liverpool are on the travel once again as the Reds will next face a good West Bromwich Albion side at the Hawthorns. The Reds’ qualification for the Champions League is in their own hands as Jürgen Klopp mentioned in his pre-match press conference that winning all the games should result in qualification but that’ll be easier said than done. Today’s game will be a tough task as the Baggies will be on a high after beating Arsenal 3-1 in a recent home game.
Liverpool have a five point lead over fifth-placed Manchester United but cannot be complacent against West Brom at any cost. Tony Pulis’ side have always been a thorn in Liverpool’s way but Jürgen Klopp will be keen to change that tomorrow.
Form guide
The biggest issue for the Reds is the fact that they have not beaten a Pulis managed side in an away game since the 2008/09 season. Liverpool have also failed to take victory at the Hawthorns since 2011 when Kenny Dalglish managed a 2-0 win six years ago.
Despite all these pieces of statistics favouring West Brom, there is one which goes against them. Though they have not lost many games against Liverpool, they have not won many as well with West Bromwich Albion last winning a league game against the Reds in the opening game of the 2012/13 season.
West Bromwich Albion: L-L-W-D-L-L
Liverpool: W-W-D-W-D-W
Team news
The Baggies are expected to have a full-strength squad available for selection for today’s big home game. They are on course for achieving record points tally in the Premier League and will give Tony Pulis a headache to choose his playing eleven. The duo of Hal Robson-Kanu and Christ Brunt might come into the reckoning.
Liverpool will still be without the midfield duo of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana. The Reds captain was expected to train this week but has not yet made a comeback at Melwood. Meanwhile, Sadio Mane is out for the season with the Senegalese requiring a knee surgery.
Predicted lineups
West Brom – Foster, Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Nyom, Fletcher, Livermore, Chadli, Morrison, Phillips, Rondon.
Liverpool – Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner, Lucas, Can, Wijnaldum, Coutinho, Origi, Firmino.
Predicted score
West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Liverpool
Odds
West Brom win – 16/5
Liverpool win – 17/20
Draw – 13/5