Preview: Liverpool vs. West Bromwich Albion

By Callum Mulvihill | 02 Oct 2014 16:24, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:10

Even the most loyal of Liverpool supporters have to admit that the team are not meeting the lofty expectations they set for themselves last season.

The impact of Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona has been analysed over and over again, but Brendan Rodgers will know that the problem goes much deeper as they prepare to host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon.

Their struggles carried over to the Champions League on Wednesday as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Basel, just a few days after being held to a frustrating draw in the Merseyside derby.

In response, Rodgers could be forced to make changes once again as he looks for the best way to get the most out of his new signings, with Mario Balotelli expected to keep his place in attack.

Daniel Sturridge is reported to be making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring problem, but is unlikely to be ready for the visit of the Baggies, while Joe Allen will return from his own injury after the international break.

When you're struggling to find your top form, it's not ideal to be facing a side who are full of confidence, but that's the challenge for Liverpool at Anfield.

West Brom have enjoyed a successful few weeks thanks to three successive wins in the league and cup, and they will be optimistic about their chances of causing an upset.

A big factor behind their form has been the performances of Saido Berahino, who scored twice in the 4-0 thrashing of Burnley on Sunday, while Joleon Lescott has added vital quality to the defence.

Alan Irvine was also able to reveal good news this week as he confirmed that record signing Brown Ideye could return to the squad after battling an ankle problem he picked up last month.