Following the disappointing result against Newcastle in their last Premier League outing, Jürgen Klopp and the team will be desperate to return to winning ways and restore the recent momentum the team has built up.
Tony Pulis on the other hand will be looking to build on a decent run of results which has seen them overturn Arsenal and record 1-1 draws against West Ham and Tottenham. Anybody who thinks this is a home banker will be sorely mistaken. Not only are the Baggies some way ahead of last week's opponents in terms of performances and results, in Pulis, they have one of the leagues most wily and tactically aware managers who will no doubt have his side thoroughly organised for this fixture.
For Liverpool we can expect Alberto Moreno to return - in place of the impressive Brad Smith to join Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel and Nathaniel Clyne in defence. Klopp clearly sees this as his first choice back line. Or does he? He hinted in his pre-match press conference that there may be an addition to the defence due to the ageing Kolo Touré, when asked about possible transfer activity.
Rumour has it, Dortmund defender Neven Subotic could be a likely addition. If there was one position that required bolstering, it would be the centre of defence. Full backs are covered for the most part with Smith and Connor Randall seemingly penciled in as able understudies. For me, Touré and Lovren aren't exactly tough competition for Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho who many would accept, are the best central defensive pairing. Further forward, things are better covered and more choice.
Klopp will have Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho available after both featured during the Europa League match against FC Sion. The industry and guile of both was sorely missed in the last game so their inclusion will be more than welcome. With the current form of Roberto Firmino coming under scrutiny after less than inspiring performances in the last two games, it's likely that one will get the nod in midfield.
Lucas Leiva and Emre Can will likely start in front of the back four and I would like to see Henderson join them. Probably at the expense of James Milner who remains unconvincing. A front three of Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Christian Benteke would be the best trio in attack. Divock Origi played in midweek ahead of his compatriot but I fear the physical and robust Baggies' back line will require the ex-Aston Villa striker to keep them on their toes. Therein lies the clue to winning this game.
The contrast in styles between these two sides couldn't be more different and in order to get anything out of this fixture, Liverpool are going to have to show some grit. It's for this reason I don't believe Firmino will feature. From what I've seen of the Brazilian, it's evident that he's become the LFC version of bone china... You only take it out when the posh visitors come because it's too frail for the rough and tumble of everyday life! The team was muscled out against Newcastle and this is something Klopp must seek to remedy. If he can add a bit of steel and toughen up this current lot, then we may just be onto something.
A win for Liverpool would do two things. Firstly it will go a long way to restoring the fragile confidence within the side, or at least proving it isn't. In so doing - as it's likely to be a very physical encounter - toughen them up a bit and show they can mix it up when they need to. Secondly, and allied to that, the team will be three points for the better and put them back in the race. Above all, it will give the fans something to shout about and erase the gloom from the last match.
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