Predicted Liverpool Lineup To Face West Bromwich Albion
Liverpool managed to pull off an unlikely victory at the Bet365 in the previous round as their Brazilian duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino found the back of the net after coming off the bench. But having taken three crucial points, Liverpool will have to back it up with three more points at the Hawthorns this weekend, if they are to consolidate their place in the top-4 in the points table.
Liverpool have traditionally struggled against Tony Pulis’ set up in the league and they have won just 2 of their last 6 meetings between the two sides, with last 3 games having ended in a stalemate. The Baggies are healing from a loss to Southampton at home but will hope to put in a better performance and Liverpool will have to be at their best to get anything from this game.
Team News:
The Reds are still without the services of their midfield pair Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson, both of who are not too far away from getting back into action. Daniel Sturridge is fit and might start this game while Sadio Mane remains sidelined for the rest of the season.
Expected Starting Lineup:
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Formation: 3-5-2
GK – Simon Mignolet
The hero of the win at Stoke for Liverpool, Mignolet will hope to put in a similar performance at the Hawthorns this weekend.
RM – Nathaniel Clyne
The English right back had a torrid time in the first half against Stoke but he is expected to start this game on the right flank for Liverpool.
CB – Dejan Lovren
The Croatian star has grown in confidence since coming back from a small absence and he should partner Matip at the back for Liverpool.
CB – Joel Matip
The Cameroon international has been solid at the back for Liverpool and he will have a testing game against the likes of Salomon Rondon.
CB – Ragnar Klavan
Though he was not at his best the other night, Klavan has been solid for Liverpool this season and Klopp will hope that he puts in an impressive performance as a part of the back-3
LM – James Milner
The English midfielder was pushed into his natural role in the first half against the Potters but he should be back at left flank for this tie.
CDM – Emre Can
The German midfielder will act the deepest of the midfielders for Liverpool and will have a huge role to play if his side are to win this game.
CM – Georginio Wijnaldum
The Dutch international had a terrific game against Stoke and he is expected to start just ahead of Can in the midfield for Liverpool.
CM – Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian playmaker started the comeback in the previous game for his side, by coming off the bench and he is expected to start this game in a slightly deeper role.
CF – Roberto Firmino
Klopp’s shift to a 3-5-2 will see Firmino play a central role, but he should work in the space just behind Origi, by playing in the hole between the midfield and forward line.
ST – Divock Origi
The Belgian star has been in terrific form for Liverpool and he should keep Sturridge on the bench for this trip to the Hawthorns.