Liverpool v West Brom - Match Preview

Last updated : 24 October 2013 By Kurt Ellis

To say I was disappointed with the Newcastle result, would be an understatement. To be frank, I was furious. I still am. I can not understand how we could not break down a ten man Newcastle. More importantly, how could we not defend those two goals we conceded?

Also, it would appear that I watch a different Liverpool than the majority of other pundits out there. Am I the only one who has been finding Victor Moses disappointing? It would appear so as I have heard nothing but rave reviews about him from other Reds. That being said, I believe he and the rest of the Liverpool team need to play better than we did against Newcastle if we want to beat WBA.

West Brom have a current record of five matches unbeaten in the Premier League this season. Although, their striking option has been weakened with the loss of Lukaku from last season, Steve Clark has done some good work in the transfer market by bringing in Sessegnon and Anichebe. They also secured four points in matches against Arsenal and Manchester United, beating the current champions at Old Trafford. This could be to our advantage though. I believe WBA would be buoyed by those successes and will believe they could get something from Anfield as well. This is what we want them to do as this will leave more space in the field for us to play in. Also, the fact that WBA actually beat us in the corresponding fixture last season should mean we are up for the game. Actually, in the last two trips to Anfield, WBA have left with 6 points. We must bring that run of success to an end.

We need to make sure we do not give Sessegnon the same space we gave Cabaye as he will also punish us. We need to keep close tabs on both Berahino and Amalfilano. We also need to make sure we do not give Shane Long any excuse to hit the floor, because everyone knows he dives better than Chad Le Clos. In terms of our formation, we need to shake up our defence. Until Coutinho returns, we do not need to be playing the 3-4-1-2 formation. I would like to see Rodgers set out the team in a traditional 4-4-2 formation. Hopefully, Enrique will return to the first team, with Johnson, Agger and Skrtel making up the back four. In midfield, perhaps we should rest Gerrard and keep him on the bench. Our central midfield pairing could be Lucas and Henderson, with Hendo playing a box to box role, while Lucas sits deep. If Rodgers persists in playing Moses, I would say put him on the wing, with Sterling on the other flank. Pace and skill to torment the WBA fullbacks. And of course, Suarez and Sturridge leading the line.

And our competitors…

Arsenal travel to a manager-less Crystal Palace on the weekend, and I expect the Gunners to romp home with ease. They may as well call it in. Similarly, Manchester United welcome Stoke to Old Trafford and should get the win…but emphasis on the word SHOULD. United squeaked past Real Sociedad in the Champions League with a 1-0 win. They are really in no great form and no longer appear to be as intimidating to teams. Also, add the ‘Sparky’ factor to the mix, and we may see an interesting result. As a gambling man, I will be looking at putting a few bob on a draw here. Everton visit Aston Villa, and this is another match I see the points being shared. I can find an equal for each player on both teams. Lukaku = Benteke, Agbonlahor = Barkley, Weiman = Mirellas, Barry = Delph and so on. Then there is Chelsea versus Manchester City. I would love the draw, but I think the London club will keep the points in Stamford Bridge. But this match can swing either way. And lastly, Spurs should be too strong for the visiting Hull.

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