Liverpool: This is the FA Cup back four we want against West Brom
By David Gate
Center Back: Joel Matip
In the loss to Swansea the center backs were flawless. Neither were to blame for the goal from the set piece. They both had the time and space to come forward with the ball and join the attack. It is likely that West Brom will defend so deep that it will be a similar story on Saturday.
The big difference between this and the Swansea game is that West Brom have been playing with a traditional 442 formation. They have been pairing Jay Rodriguez with Salomon Rondon in a typical front two.
Despite being 6ft 5in, Matip is not as dominant in the air as others of his height. He isn’t bad in the air he just isn’t that authoritative. That may be due to his slight frame. It was always surprising to me that Dejan Lovren would have a better aerial record that Matip when they played together.
That means he will be more likely to pair up with Rodriguez of the two West Brom strikers. That should be a perfect match up for him as the forward does not possess lightning pace or tricks that will expose Matip in one-on-one situations.