Disappointed by the derby draw against Everton, Liverpool try to resume their winning streak on Wednesday, 13 December. Acting again on Anfield Road, this time will receive the West Bromwich Albion in match by the seventeenth round of English Championship edition 2017/2018. The kickoff is scheduled for 18h (BrasÃlia time).
Liverpool’s recent performance
On Sunday, December 10, the Reds had stopped their series of victories followed in the classic venue. They came out ahead of Everton, but ended up yielding the tie by 1 to 1 at the end.
Although they have completed ten games without losing (seven wins and three draws), they were in very difficult situation in the title race. With 30 points (eight wins, six draws and two losses), they are fourth with 16 points behind Manchester City.
The many draws have been decisive to prevent the team from climbing the table. It is the second team with more equalities in the Premier League. In that respect, it is only surpassed precisely by its opponent of Wednesday, the WBA, that tied seven of its 16 matches.
Equalities have been a particularly big problem at home. Liverpool are inviting in their dominions. However, of the eight matches, was in the tie in four. Although it has shown signs of defensive fragility throughout the season, it is not in that sector that the problem is. With three goals conceded, the reds have the home defense less leaked. So, who is really letting go is the attack that makes a lot more goals as a visitor (20 to 14).
Against a team at the edge of the relegation zone, equality can not be considered acceptable. Therefore, Jurgen Klopp must make modifications regarding the team that started the game against Everton. Thus, the Brazilians Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, related to the bench in the classic and who entered only in the second stage, must return to appear in the titular team.
Klopp’s medical problems remain in large numbers. Defender Joel Matip (13 matches in English League, one goal), Nathaniel Clyne (without performances) and Alberto Moreno (12 matches, no goal) are in the ward; and Marko Grujic (three games, no goal) and Adam Lalana (a game, no goal).
The current WBA form
The round 16 also did not miss the WBA fans. Facing a direct rival in the fight against relegation and who could not win for eight matches, West Bromwich saw Swansea break, at home, the fast successes by scoring 1-0.
He has managed to stay out of the relegation zone, but is in a delicate situation. With 13 points (two wins, seven draws and seven losses), he ranked seventeenth at the start of the seventeenth round. The score, however, is the same as that of West Ham, who opens the sideline region in 18th position.
So, if you do not score in Anfield, the team has a good chance of getting into the downhill area. The recent campaign is not exciting. The WBA has not won 15 games (seven draws and eight losses). In this relationship are matches of the English Championship and also a match of the League Cup of England, where they ended up eliminated by taking 2 to 1 of Manchester City.
The most recent victory was precisely in this competition. On August 22, he scored away from home, 3-1 at Accrington. In the English Championship, won the first two games and no longer managed to score three points in the same match.
To face Liverpool, coach Alan Pardew also has limitations set by the medical department. Defender Craig Dawson (nine games in the 2017/2018 English Championship, no goal) is in the infirmary; and Gareth Barry (14 games without a goal), Nacer Chadli (two games, one goal), James Morrison (four games, one goal) and Matt Philipps (13 games, one goal).
History of the bouts between Liverpool and WBA
Liverpool have not lost to West Bromwich for eight games. Since 2013, there have been four wins and four draws.
Best football tips for today :
Although they are having problems to impose themselves at home, Liverpool follows as best guessing option for the game on Wednesday. It has a price of 1.20 in Rivalo. Draw pays 6.50 and successful visitor multiplies the investment by 13.00.