After taking just a point from a disappointing game against Manchester United last weekend, Liverpool are back in action this weekend at Anfield as they take on Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion side. The Baggies have had a decent time against the Reds past season as they managed to get some points from this fixture. This fixture ended in a 2-2 draw last time under Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool will hope that they can get 2 more points from this game this weekend. Liverpool are currently unbeaten in their last 8 games in all competitions and will hope to keep up their good run.
Here is the preview of this game, along with the team news, predicted line-ups, stats and betting odds:
Date & Time:
22nd of October, 2016. KO: 7:30 pm BST
Venue:
Anfield, Liverpool.
Team News:
Liverpool will be happy with the return of star midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum who is declared fit to start this game. They manager also revealed that young Joe Gomez is back in training but is not expected to play a role in this game. James Milner picked up a knock after the United game and is doubtful for this clash.
Pulis will be without his star defender Jonny Evans in this fixture. Apart from him, the Baggies have close to a fully fit squad to choose from for this game.
Expected Lineups:
Liverpool:
Karius; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Can, Henderson, Lallana; Firmino, Coutinho, Mane
West Bromwich Albion:
Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Nyom; Fletcher, Yacob; Phillips, Chadli, McClean; Rondon
Key Battle:
Phillipe Coutinho vs Gareth McAuley:
The Brazilian magician is at the top of his game at the moment for the Reds and will be the biggest threat for the Baggies on the night at Anfield. He can create things within the blink of an eye and will be up against McAuley, a strong, smart defender who will give him no time. This clash has all the makings of an intriguing one and can easily decide the game on the night.
Key Stats:
- Liverpool have drawn their last 3 matches against West Brom in all competitions.
- West Brom have drawn their last 3 matches in the Premier League.
- Liverpool are undefeated in their last 11 home matches in the Premier League.
- Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 home matches against West Brom in all competitions.
- Tony Pulis is unbeaten in his last eight Premier League games against Liverpool, although six have been draws (W2), including each of the last four.
Betting Odds:
Liverpool: 1/4
Draw: 26/5
WBA: 23/2
Prediction:
Liverpool are in good form at the moment and are expected to make light work of the Baggies but Tony Pulis’ side have been a bogey team for the Reds who will have to do really well to overcome the Voodoo and take all three points from this game. Surely this game will be one of the most interesting ones in the Premier League this weekend.
Liverpool 2-2 West Bromwich Albion