Liverpool are looking to maintain pressure at the top of the table on Saturday when former Liverpool assistant manager Steve Clarke brings West Brom to Anfield.
Saturday, 26th October 2013; 3pm kick-off
Premier League
Anfield
Brendan Rodgers and Steve Clarke took over their respective clubs at the same time. Clarke departed Liverpool when Kenny Dalglish was dismissed, whilst Rodgers has been steadily re-building the Reds since his switch from Swansea.
However, it was Clarke who came out on top on both occasions when the teams met during the manager’s debut seasons. The Baggies won both home and away against less than impressive Liverpool sides.
This season though, Rodgers’ men have started brightly and will be looking to get their form back on track following a disappointing 2-2 draw at Newcastle Utd last weekend.
The opposition
West Brom haven’t won since the 28th Septmeber, nearly a month ago. They defeat Manchester United in their own back yard that day, and have since held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at home and a goalless draw away to Stoke City.
The Baggies lie 12th in the Premier League after 8 games, 7 points behind 3rd place Liverpool.
Last season in this fixture West Brom beat Liverpool 2-0 thanks to second half goals from Gareth McAuley and Romelu Lukaku.
It’s 18/1 for for history to repeat itself with a 2-1 West Brom win this time round.
Team news
Rodgers welcomes back Lucas Leiva to the squad after he was on baby duty following the birth of his daughter last weekend. The Brazilian may find it hard to squeeze his way back into the team though with Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen and Luis Alberto all also vying for a midfield place alongside captain Steven Gerrard.
Some, however, are suggesting Gerrard may be rested for this game after he reached his 100th Premier League goal last weekend.
Glen Johnson should be back to full match fitness following his return from injury last weekend, but there will be no Jose Enrique again as he struggles to shake off a knock. Expect Aly Cissokho at left-wing-back again.
Philippe Coutinho doesn’t make the squad for this Saturday 3pm kick-off at Anfield. The Brazilian is yet to resume full contact training after shoulder surgery, but is expected to return for next weekend’s trip to Arsenal.
Martin Skrtel will be hoping his impressive form will continue to keep Daniel Agger out of the starting line-up.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs West Brom 26.10.2013 (as a 3-4-1-2)
Let us know your predicted line-up in the comments below, or on Twitter @thisisanfield .
Top Betting Tip
Daniel Sturridge’s goalscoring form continues. He’s now scored 20 goals in his first 26 appearances for Liverpool. He’s 15/8 to score anytime and Liverpool to win against West Brom.
TV coverage
Match highlights are on BBC One’s Match of the Day from 10.20pm.
petikan dari Liverpool FC, This is Anfield, Teamtalk
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