Sunday’s match between West Brom and Liverpool will be very important to both teams, but for varying reasons. For the hosts, a reaction and result is needed following that gut-wrenching defeat to rivals Aston Villa earlier in the week. Albion are hovering dangerously above the relegation zone, stuck on 22 points and a victory could them all the way up to 11th should other results swing in their favour. As for the visitors, they’re on the back of an incredible derby win over Everton and need the points to sustain their top-four ambitions.
In recent outings between the two, Albion have actually came out on top. The Baggies have won three of their last four Premier League meetings (0-2, 3-0, 0-1) against them. In fact, last season West Brom did the double over Liverpool, scoring five and conceding none in the process. Now it’s Liverpool’s turn to get one over on Albion and they could complete the double with a win (secured 4-0 victory earlier in season).
In terms of injuries for West Brom, Nicolas Anelka – who has been in the media spotlight for the last few weeks over his quenelle celebration – has been ruled out after having stitches in his knee. Billy Jones and Gareth McAuley are set to return in defence with Deadline Day recruit, Thievy Bifouma, unlikely to feature at all.
This will be boss Pepe Mel’s second home game in charge and the first, against Everton, was encouraging. The team selection will be interesting, but one player who should certainly be omitted from the starting line-up is Diego Lugano (one of the shoddiest performances I’ve ever seen at Villa Park). The Albion defence will have to be on guard because the unforgiving striking combination of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge takes no prisoners. If Albion can block them two out of proceedings, they stand a far greater chance of taking a positive result.
Youssouf Mulumbu says: “We won’t go onto the pitch with fear. We will be ready for them.” The Congolese is saying the right things but words mean nothing. It’s about actions on the pitch and delivering when the pressure is on. The last time Albion tasted victory was exactly one month ago at the time of writing. Since then, a meagre one point has been picked up in three Premier League matches. Something must change soon and here’s hoping it starts on Sunday.
Predicted result: West Brom 1-1 Liverpool
West Brom Xl: Foster, Jones, Olsson, McAuley, Ridgewell, Yacob, Mulumbu, Morrison, Amalfitano, Brunt, Anichebe.
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