Liverpool will try to carry on their winning run in the Premier League when they travel to the Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion. Jurgen Klopp has a brilliant record against the big teams but the small teams have troubled the Reds throughout this season. They held their nerves as they got past a stringent Stoke City 2-1 in the last match but before that, they had to share a point with Bournemouth.
A win in this match would tighten their grip on their current position and would virtually ensure their participation in the next season’s Champions League. The Reds are undefeated since the Leicester City match and slowly but silently has been edging towards a top four finish.
The Baggies are winless in the last two matches and Tony Pulis’ side would be looking forward to bouncing back. Pulis has earned accolades for his tactical approach with the Baggies and will be looking for another upset after taming Arsenal recently. They are currently eighth in the table and have a 10 points gap with seventh-placed Everton.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Liverpool
Sadio Mane might have played his last match for Liverpool in this season. The Senegalese winger injured his knee against Everton and it would be very disheartening to see him missing the rest of the season. Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson need time to be match fit and Klopp could be forced to field Coutinho who has been suffering from illness.
Mignolet; Lovren, Matip, Clyne, Milner; Wijnaldum, Can, Lucas; Firmino, Sturridge, Coutinho.
West Bromwich Albion
Tony Pulis could ring in a number of changes in the team that lost to Southampton in the last match. James McClean and Chris Brunt will make it all to the starting lineup.
Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Nyom; Fletcher, Livermore, Morrison; Chadli, Rondon, Phillips.
Key Players
Liverpool
Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian inspired a come from behind win against the Potters as the Reds fought from 1-0 down to win the match 2-1. With Sadio Mane set to miss the rest of the season, the Brazilian needs to step ahead to fill the void of the winger. The Baggies are known for their tight defending and are one of the fewer sides who have been very disciplined defensively. Coutinho’s slick movement and knack of finding the right player at the right moment could be the key for Klopp’s side.
West Bromwich Albion
Gareth McAuley
The Baggies are very dangerous from set piece situations and McAuley has been the pioneer. The 37-year-old cannot stop scoring and has netted six goals so far this season.
