After a run of forgettable results, West Bromwich Albion have bought themselves a lifeline late this season as the victory at Old Trafford last weekend has now reduced West Brom’s gap to safety to 9 points. Darren Moore is certainly getting his message across but the Baggies have just four games left in the season and will have to continue winning, starting this weekend when they welcome an in-form Liverpool side to Hawthorns.
The Reds are fresh from a comfortable victory against Bournemouth last weekend but Klopp’s men lost to West Brom in the FA Cup earlier this year and Moore will believe that his side can do it yet again this weekend. The Baggies have been a bogey team for Liverpool and if they can rattle them early, West Brom can surely take something from this game. A loss in this game will all but end the Baggies’ hopes of top-flight football next season and here is the predicted lineup Moore might field to try and steal all three points.
Team News:
In early team news, the Baggies are still without the services of Gareth Barry and James Morrison, both of who are long-term absentees. Nacer Chadli is back in full training and should be available for this weekend but Jonny Evans and Hal Robson-Kanu, both of who missed the last game, are still doubtful and will undergo a late fitness test before the game.
Expected lineup (4-4-1-1):
Defence:
Ben Foster is the undisputed no.1 for West Brom and will be high on confidence after the clean sheet he kept at Old Trafford. With Evans not fully fit, Ahmed Hegazy and Craig Dawson might continue in the CB roles and will have to be at their best to stop the Liverpool attackers.
Kieran Gibbs at left-back will have the toughest job, in keeping Mo Salah silent, while Allan Nyom will also have his work cut out at right-back, keeping an eye on Sadio Mane.
Midfield:
Jake Livermore was superb in the game against United and will hope to put in a similar performance this weekend. He will be partnered by Chris Brunt, who is doing a decent job at the heart of the midfield for his side.
Matt Phillips did not last the whole game against United but could retain his place on the right wing in the midfield while James McClean, who will start on the left flank in the midfield, will also be under pressure from the league’s top goal scorer in Salah.
Attack:
Jay Rodriguez scored the only goal at Old Trafford and will be the danger man for Liverpool while Salomon Rondon will also carry a threat in the attack.
Here is how they might line up:
