Liverpool v West Brom: Klopp's entertainers should have too much for Baggies

Liverpool v West Brom
Wednesday, 20:00

Hosts' momentum stalled by derby draw

Liverpool were left frustrated after squandering a winning position in their 1-1 draw against rivals Everton in Sunday's Merseyside derby. Jurgen Klopp's side were in control after taking the lead through Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian's 19th goal of the season. But a mistake from Dejan Lovren handed Wayne Rooney the chance to snatch a point from the penalty spot.

The Reds are currently fourth and have been on an impressive run since losing to Tottenham in October. Five wins and two draws in the Premier League have pushed them up the table while Liverpool sealed top spot in their Champions League group after crushing Spartak Moscow 7-0 last week. Their attacking ability has again been exceptional with Liverpool scoring 63 goals in 25 matches this season. But Klopp opted to rejig his team against Everton and more possible squad rotation makes backing one of their potent forwards to score a risky proposition.

Winless run stretches on for Baggies

West Brom are under new management after Alan Pardew replaced the sacked Tony Pulis but the Baggies are still no closer to ending their worrying winless run. Their last victory came back in August and the side have gone 14 league matches without a win. Since Pardew has come in, West Brom have drawn 0-0 at home to Crystal Palace and were beaten 1-0 at fellow strugglers Swansea on Saturday.

Only goal difference is keeping West Brom out of the relegation zone and the Baggies are just two points off the foot of the table. Their biggest problem has been in the final third with the side scoring just 12 goals in 16 league games. Pardew badly needs to add some creativity and a greater goal threat during next month's transfer window otherwise West Brom could be in serious danger of going down.

Liverpool worthy short-priced favourites

On current form, favourites Liverpool look banker material at 1.24 to claim a home win. Clearly this is far too short a price to recommend but everything appears to be in their favour. The visitors can't buy a victory at the moment and Klopp's side have been brushing aside opponents prior to their draw with Everton. It would be a big surprise if the Reds slipped up in this game although they can be passed over in this market at long odds-on.

West Brom are huge outsiders for this match but there is no temptation to take a chance on them at 16.50. It has been a miserable run for the team since the opening month of the season and confidence has been in short supply even in the first few weeks under new boss Pardew. It would be a remarkable upset to win at Anfield but there is simply no logical argument to suggest West Brom can end their opponents' 14-game unbeaten record at home.

The draw is not out of the question with West Brom having held Liverpool in four of the last eight league meetings. The Reds have also drawn four of their eight home matches this season in the competition so odds of 7.40 certainly cannot be dismissed. That said, if Liverpool reproduce their recent form it is hard to see West Brom being able to keep them out and a home win is worth backing in some shape or form.

Reds may be restricted by stubborn opponents

The assumption when Liverpool are playing is they will run riot and score a hatful of goals but stubborn opponents West Brom could make this a challenge with their defensive gameplan. The Baggies have only conceded ten goals in eight away matches this season and let in more than three goals in just one of the last 19 clashes against Liverpool. The best value in backing a home win could be to double it up with under 3.5 goals at 10/11.

Opta Stat

West Brom have scored at least once in their last six league visits to Anfield, netting eight goals in total. The visitors can be backed to net again at 10/11.

Ref Watch

Paul Tierney takes charge of the midweek game at Anfield and the referee has yet to send off a player this season. The official dished out five red cards in 32 matches during the last campaign.

Recommended Bet
Back Liverpool to win and under 3.5 goals @ 10/11 (Sportsbook)