Match Preview: West Brom vs Liverpool
By Paul Drake
Liverpool rebounded against Stoke City with a 2-1. Klopp demonstrated creativity and the Reds played with grit to grind out a fantastic victory. This is encouraging, will their success continue? Let’s break down in the match preview.
Liverpool again, enter a match sitting 3rd in the Premier League table. This time with 63 points and are 3-2-0 in their last five matches. Also, they continue to add to their league leading number of goals with 68. Klopp re-energized his side against Stoke, now it’s time for the Reds to take on West Bromwich away, at The Hawthorns.
The Reds will look to continue their pursuit of a Champions League spot. It will not be an easy task on Sunday, West Brom are 8th in the table. The Baggies success has come against lower-table sides, holding a record of 11-5-4. Against top-table competition they are just 1-2-8. Let’s hope the Baggies lack of success continues Sunday, against Liverpool.
Riding The Wave of Success, Without Mane by Their Side
Liverpool received a morale boost with a victory against Stoke City. It is no small feat to bounce back after such a heart-breaking draw with Bournemouth.
Klopp’s side remain hopeful entering into another difficult test against West Brom. Like all remaining matches in the Reds schedule, they need to come away with three points at The Hawthorns. A draw would not be the end of the world, but it would make things more difficult coming into what looks like a tough match against Crystal Palace, the following week.
Liverpool are the favorites and it will take the dynamic Brazilian duo of Coutinho and Firmino to continue the wave of success without Sadio Mane. Some may think that the Reds are finished without Mane. That is no where near the case, Coutinho, Firmino, and Origi have immense potential for scoring goals. They combine for 25 of Liverpool’s 68 goals.
More from Rush The Kop
- Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
- Liverpool making late comebacks all the rage once again
- Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
- Players to watch in the matchup with Wolves
- Predicting Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures
The Reds defense will also be given a test on Sunday. Almost a month ago on March 18th, West Brom handed it to Arsenal in a 3-1 win over the Gunners. Granted Arsenal are not in top-form right now, it is still no easy task to take down Arsenal.
Klopp will likely start a strong back-line of Clyne, Lovren, Matip, and Milner. If the midfield can mitigate the mistakes and the back-line holds, I expect the Reds to run away with this one on Sunday.
Injuries
Despite a recent string of injuries, Liverpool have managed to win 3 of their last 5 matches. Adam Lallana remains out with a thigh injury and might return to training by the end of the month. In addition, the Reds captain, Jordan Henderson is also out for Sunday’s match.
Klopp told reporters, “[They are] better, but not good enough for the weekend.” Klopp is treating Henderson with caution, there is not a clear-cut timetable for his returned, but the boss hopes Henderson will return in enough time to start the last few matches of the season.
The boss continued, noting that Lallana is likely to return after Liverpool’s match with Crystal Palace. Regarding Henderson, Klopp remains hopeful that the captain might return for Watford. Foot injuries are tricky to predict and can cling on longer than expected. Also, out for this match and every remaining match this season is Sadio Mane. Sadness.
Match Predictions
Liverpool Starting XI
Mignolet
Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner
Can, Lucas, Wijnaldum
Coutinho, Firmino, Origi
Liverpool 2 – 1 West Brom
Liverpool remain the favorites on the road again. The key to a victory at The Hawthorns is to continue what the Reds found at Stoke. Liverpool cannot afford to play down to a mid-table side, like they have all season. They need to mentally and physically treat the Baggies the same as the Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, and those Manchester clubs. I think Klopp will have his side ready and continue their success on the road with 3 points and a win.
Ways To Watch
Date:Sunday, April 16
Time: 1:30pm GMT, 8:30am ET
Venue: The Hawthorns
TV Info: Sky Sport 1 (UK), NBCSN (US)
Streaming Info: NBC Live App