Liverpool Looking To Bounce Back After Basel Defeat

Liverpool will go 450 minutes without a win in all competitions if they fail to secure a victory over West Bromwich Albion at home tomorrow (4th October). A last minute strike from Toffees` captain Phil Jagielka saw Everton grab a point in the sides` Merseyside derby at Anfield. Steven Gerrard broke the deadlock with a sweet free-kick with 25 minutes still remaining before 32-year-old Jagielka leveled up for Roberto Martinez`s men. This preceded Wednesday`s narrow 1-0 defeat away in Switzerland in the Champions League. The Reds were powerless to stop FC Basel`s well-deserved victory as Marco Streller grabbed the only goal of the match in the second half. The on-target efforts from both Mario Balotelli and Raheem Sterling were both ruled out for offside. With one win from two, Liverpool lie third in Group B whilst finding themselves 14th in the Premier League with seven points from a maximum of 18.

Results are beginning to go the way of the Baggies, however, after a slow start saw Alan Irvine`s men flirt with the relegation zone. Albion are now three wins from three in all competitions with a 3-2 victory over Hull City in the Capital One Cup bookended by a 1-0 away triumph over Tottenham Hotspur and a 4-0 thrashing at home to troubled Burnley last time out. On-fire striker Saido Berahino grabbed a brace with Craig Dawson and Graham Dorrans also contributing to the goal tally.

Despite the Pools` slow start and West Brom picking up momentum, the bookmakers are expecting normal service being resumed with both Betvictor, ladbrokes and Matchbook all offering 9/20 on a home win, a result that could see Brendan Rogers` men as high as fifth. Both bet365 and boylesports have a draw priced up at 4/1 whilst a win for the rejuvenated West Midlands` side can be backed at 7/1 with most bookmakers. Albion have picked up four points from a potential nine in their away clashes this season.

Whilst it would be too strong to say that Rogers` men are currently undergoing something of an injury crisis, the gaffer will be unable to select his starting eleven from a full strength squad of players. Midfielders Joe Allen and Emre Can are still unavailable after sustaining injuries during the pre-season whilst defenders Jon Flanagan, Glen Johnson and Mamadou Sakho are also out. The Scouse Cafu is expected to be sidelined until the end of November whilst Johnson and Sakho may well return next week for their Queens Park Rangers match-up.

The availability of Liverpool`s 2013/14 high-flyer Daniel Sturridge is unknown after a non-committal response from the boss followed his side`s European battle. The 25-year-old former Chelsea forward strained his thigh whilst in training for England`s European Qualifier against Switzerland. His return had been expected tomorrow though it may be that the match will come too early for the striker after having not made the cut for his country`s up-coming games against San Marino and Estonia next week. Mario Balotelli is expect to retain his place despite Rogers` telling journalists that his new signing would have to score more frequently.

`In terms of goals he needs to improve, it`s as simple as that.` The Northern Irishman said in a press conference. The Italian is 19/17 (888sport, unibet) to respond with a goal at any time tomorrow.

It`ll be all change in the Baggies` defence with Liverpool loan signing Andre Wisdom relinquishing his place due to the terms of the clubs` agreement stating that the full-back would not be allowed to feature against his parent club. Costa Rican Cristian Gamboa is expected to take his place. Chris Baird will also play his part after recovering from a sickness bug.

Liverpool are 15/2 (betway, Skybet) to be unable to break Albion`s new look back line down whilst it`s 18/1 with Coral for an away win to nil.

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03/10/2014     © Frixo 2026