Liverpool’s dramatic comeback win at Stoke last weekend may be one of the defining games of their 2016/17 season, but with the sheer competitiveness of the top four race in the Premier League, it could mean little at the end of play if they’re unable to follow it up with a result at West Brom.
The Hawthorns is certainly not an easy place to visit this term, despite Southampton securing a win their last Saturday, with Tony Pulis’ Baggies enjoying one of the best seasons in living memory.
Alas, Manchester United playing Chelsea shortly after the final whistle should serve as motivation for the Reds, who will know that there’s a good chance of a Blues victory over the Red Devils, meaning that a win of their own should help them to open a gap up between themselves and their bitter rivals in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
Jurgen Klopp won’t have it easy, though, with the German missing a host of key players through injury, no least top goalscorer Sadio Mane.
He’s been experimenting with a 3-4-2-1 set-up of late and we think he’ll go for it again at West Brom, so with that in mind here’s the XI he should pick…
GK – Simon Mignolet
After arguably his finest performance for Liverpool last weekend at Stoke, it would be stunning to see Mignolet dropped.
The Belgian has been heavily criticised (and rightly so on many occasions) often through his Reds career, but two stunning stops to deny Charlie Adam and Saido Berahino from point blank range were as vital as Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino’s goals in a huge win.
CB – Lucas Leiva
With Ragnar Klavan having been pretty dreadful vs. both Bournemouth and Stoke, Klopp may want to make a change at the back and with Lucas missing at Stoke last weekend after back-to-back outings against Everton and the Cherries, he should be fully rested.
He may not have the Estonian’s 6ft. 3” frame, but the converted midfielder is actually very good in the air and offers the sort of ball-playing quality the aforementioned Baltic defender just doesn’t.
He showed at home to Everton that he can help to shackle a big, powerful forward in the form of Romelu Lukaku, which bodes well for an afternoon against Salomon Rondon.
CB – Joel Matip
When the Cameroonian plays, Liverpool’s defence looks far more secure, but the major issue has been getting him on the pitch. Matip is nursing a back problem but he was able to get through the Stoke game as the central man in a back three, which suits his reading of the game and ability with the ball at his feet.
CB – Dejan Lovren
The Croatian, like Matip, has had his fitness concerns of late, so Klopp will be thrilled to have him back and available. Prone to lapses in concentration, Lovren can be an adept centre-back with a commanding player alongside him to keep his mind on the job, so the aforementioned Matip will be vital.
RWB – Nathaniel Clyne
No real shock here. Clyne may not offer the attacking qualities of some right-sided defenders, but he’s the best Liverpool have for a wing-back berth on the right side, with his energy and pace both key traits.
The Englishman will need to get forward regularly with West Brom likely to sit back and pack the middle of the pitch to nullify some of Liverpool’s obvious threats.
CM – Emre Can
With Jordan Henderson having been missing for a while, Can has seized his first-team opportunity and after a run of games, he’s found the form that made him one of Klopp’s go-to players at the back end of 2015/16.
The German’s growing confidence manifests itself in him being one of the few leaders in the Liverpool team, with his combative edge and physicality both essential in a midfield two.
CM – Georginio Wijnaldum
An inexplicable header back into his own area almost allowed Charlie Adam to score a simple goal for Stoke that would have killed the game off last week before Liverpool’s comeback, but the Dutchman certainly atoned for his error with a wonderful lofted ball to play in Roberto Firmino for his spectacular winner. Wijnaldum’s knitting together of the play often goes unnoticed, but the ex-Newcastle man is quietly one of Klopp’s most essential players.
LWB – James Milner
With Klopp’s shift in formation Milner is playing yet another role: left-sided wing-back.
His physical attributes and right-footedness may not make him an ideal fit in the position, but the experienced ex-England international gets on with the job and offers an attacking outlet on the flank as well as a more reliable defensive presence than Alberto Moreno
RF – Roberto Firmino
Dropped to the bench to combat his fatigue vs. Stoke, Firmino should be rested up for the West Brom trip and ready to go from the first whistle, not half-time. The Brazilian’s introduction alongside Philippe Coutinho at the bet365 Stadium changed the game and his stunning half-volleyed winner shows just what he brings to the team.
Due to injuries, he will have to vacate the No.9 position he’s filled so well this season, but he can be a threat cutting in off the flank.
LF – Philippe Coutinho
Three goals in three games is a fine return and when you factor in he’s been playing through illness Coutinho’s contributions look even more impressive.
So often the centrepiece of all that’s good about this Liverpool team, Klopp will need his ‘Little Magician’ at the peak of his powers to unlock an organised West Brom team who won’t be afraid to sit deep and defend, despite having home advantage.
ST – Divock Origi
Daniel Sturridge may have come off the bench to effect the game at Stoke, but it’s hard to see him being trusted from the first whistle, with Klopp a big fan of Origi.
And in fairness, the Belgian offers the sort of physical presence the aforementioned hit-man simply does not, with his willing running, sizable frame and pace all making him a useful outlet.
