Team News: Mario Balotelli dropped from Liverpool starting lineup

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been dropped from the Reds' starting XI for this afternoon's Premier League clash against West Bromwich Albion, the Italian international having to settle with a place on the bench.

Former Southampton forward Rickie Lambert has taken his place in Brendan Rodgers's initial lineup at Anfield.

Meanwhile Daniel Sturridge, who is still recovering from a thigh injury, is left out of the matchday squad entirely.

Cristian Gamboa will start at right-back for West Brom, with Andre Wisdom ineligible against his parent club.

Winger Silvestre Varela could be facing hernia surgery and is ruled out this weekend, but defender Chris Baird is fit again after illness and makes the Baggies' bench.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Manquillo, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno, Gerrard, Henderson, Lallane, Coutinho, Sterling, Lambert Subs: Jones, Toure, Johnson, Lucas, Markovic, Borini, Balotelli

West Bromwich Albion: Foster, Gamboa, Lescott, Dawson, Pocognoli, Dorrans, Morrison, Gardner, Brunt, Sessegnon, Berahino Subs: Myhill, McAuley, Mulumbu, Blanco, Yacob, Baird, Samaras

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