Preview: Liverpool vs. West Bromwich Albion

Just two points separate Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League and a win on Monday is crucial for either side to make a charge for the top six.

Liverpool sit seventh, five points behind sixth-placed Arsenal while West Brom are ninth.

The reverse fixture this season was on the opening day, and West Brom slaughtered the Reds 3-0. However, the Baggies haven't won a league game since Christmas and sit bottom of the form table.

Brendan Rodgers should be able to call upon Daniel Sturridge, who has been struggling with a thigh injury, while soon-to-retire Jamie Carragher could continue keeping Martin Skrtel out of the team in defence.

Zoltan Gera scored arguably the goal of the opening weekend back in August against Rodgers's men but the Hungarian is out of Monday's match with a knee injury.

Steve Clarke is also without Goran Popov after his red card last week for spitting in the direction of Kyle Walker. Liam Ridgewell should come in for the Macedonian.

Recent form

Liverpool: WWLWDD

West Brom: LLLDLL

Possible starting lineups

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson; Downing, Suarez, Sturridge

West Brom: Foster; Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Dorrans, Yacob, Morrison, Brunt; Long, Lukaku

Sports Mole says: 3-1