Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion
Football : English Premier League
Sunday 29 August 2010 - Kickoff 3pm

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Liverpool

Liverpool were brought down to earth last week as they were humbled at Manchester City amid reports that Javier Mascherano refused to play, thus making Roy Hodgson's tactics history and a change in plan needed to be created. Liverpool have since moved Mascherano on to Barcelona and hope to strengthen their squad before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday evening.

The Reds had started the season with an impressive performance as they drew with Arsenal but the defeat at City was a jolt to the system. They have also progressed through to the next stage of the Europa League after beating Trabzonspor in Turkey on Thursday night, a feat that was more impressive after a long list of first team players were left out of the side. Liverpool have been strong at Anfield against sides in the bottom half, winning 9 of their 10 games at Anfield last season.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres should both start after being rested during the week. Joe Cole is still serving a domestic ban, while Dan Agger and Maxi Rodriguez are doubts.

Possible Liverpool Line Up: Reina, Johnson, Aurelio, Carragher, Skrtal, Lucas, Gerrard, Kuyt, Jovanovic, N'gog and Torres (4-4-2)

West Bromwich Albion

West Brom could not have asked for too many more difficult fixtures to start the season than the ones the fixture computer gave to them. They will have been happy with the response of the team after losing their opening game at Stamford Bridge 6-0, winning their last 2 games without conceding a goal and progressing in the Carling Cup.

The Albion beat Sunderland at home last week, and will know that their home form is vitally important if they are to survive this season. Roberto Di Matteo does have his side playing in the correct manner, but that is not enough and they will have to show more grit away from home if they are to pick up points.

Marek Cech will be missing from action until the end of September with a foot injury. Joe Mattock, Jerome Thomas and Ishmael Miller will all miss out.

Possible West Brom Line Up: Carson, Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Pablo, Morrison, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Brunt, Barnes and Odemwingie (4-5-1)

Head to Head

Liverpool have a strong record against West Brom in Premier League games, with the Baggies yet to score a goal in 8 meetings between the sides.

Liverpool have won all 4 games at Anfield in the Premier League.

Prediction

Liverpool will be disappointed in their performance at the City of Manchester Stadium last week and will want to put things right here. They need to get Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard up to full speed as their side is not good enough without them. I am sure the Kop are hoping that Roy Hodgson can reinvest the money they receive for Javier Mascherano and strengthen the squad.

West Brom will be glad they have their first win of the season under their belt. They will know that any points they can pick up from this fixture will be a bonus, but they will need to really get the points to survive from the sides that will be in and around them come May.

I think Liverpool will come out and start to click together as the elements of the side that do not want to be at Anfield are moved on. I expect the side to get better during the course of the season when Hodgson gets his methods across and the new players bed in.

However, I think West Brom will allow Liverpool to express themselves here and so I have to favour the home win by a couple of goals.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Liverpool 3-0 West Bromwich Albion

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Liverpool -1.75 Asian Handicap