Liverpool’s start to the season has been tricky to say the least. The Reds have faced Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, reigning champions Leicester City, Chelsea and Manchester United in their opening eight games, with only three fixtures at home due to the ongoing summer building work at Anfield.
The fact that they have come out of this averaging more than two points-per-game is testament to the football they've been playing. But there remain question marks about their ability to beat the teams they should be beating – which in turn raises questions about a title challenge.
That is what makes Saturday’s hosting of West Brom so interesting. The Baggies are just the sort of team the Merseysiders have struggled against in recent years, and we at FFC Towers predict another tough 90 minutes for Jurgen Klopp’s men courtesy of the divisive Tony Pulis. Here's a look at our three reasons why...
West Brom have Liverpool’s number…
The last three games between West Brom and Liverpool have ended level, with 0-0, 2-2 and 1-1 draws notched up. In fact, Liverpool have only won twice in the clubs’ last six meetings, which goes to show that the Reds traditionally struggle against the Baggies - who, for the most part, have been hovering around the relegation zone in that period. Granted, the Midlanders haven’t claimed three points from this game since early 2013. But with a draw likely to be viewed as a success on Saturday, it bodes well for the Baggies.
Credit: 11v11.com
Not afraid to foul
West Brom have committed the third highest number of fouls in the Premier League this season per-game (13.5), trailing only Watford and Spurs. Although this is by no means an overwhelming positive on the whole, Liverpool’s play is all about fluid passing and quick attacks, so frequent breaking up of play will make it hard for them to settle and display the sort of football that has put them in the title conversation.
Credit: WhoScored
Defensively resolute
A quick glance at the lower end of the Premier League table shows that West Brom are out of place in terms of goals conceded. The Baggies are the only club from 10th down to have shipped a single figure quantity (eight) in their opening eight games. However, the flipside is that Pulis’ men have netted nine times.
Liverpool couldn’t break down a Manchester United side intent on defending on Monday, so West Brom will enter this one with confidence in carrying out a similar game-plan.