West Bromwich Albion vs Liverpool: Hindrance or breeding ground?

After a weekend in which there was no shortage of emotional drama and pain for the Liverpool faithful, the focus will now shift towards the League Cup, of which Liverpool are the current holders. Although not the most important or the most eye-catching silverware up for grabs, it still is a trophy and as champions Liverpool would want to put on a show. While King Kenny gave it quite the importance last season and chose to field full-strength teams, it will be interesting to see Brendan Rodgers’ strategy. At the start of the season the manager had made it clear though that his priority was the Premier League, and if he continues in that vein, then be ready to see a lineup of Liverpool youngsters.

Keeping that in mind, it would be wonderful for youngsters such as Andre Wisdom and Suso, who were eye-catching last week in the game against Young Boys. West Bromwich Albion though will be a much tougher opposition, as they proved on the opening day of the season when they thrashed Liverpool 3-0. While Zoltan Gera was instrumental that day, it will be important to see who Brendan Rodgers employs in defence to curb the threat of Romelu Lukaku and Shane Long, both of whom will be aerial threats. Last time around Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates didn’t exactly imbibe confidence and they will have to do better this time.

Liverpool’s midfield, consisting of Nuri Sahin and Jordan Henderson, will have to be more influential and will have to control the proceedings. In the game against Young Boys, while Sahin was silky in his skill, the final product was lacking. Henderson will probably be doing the mopping up role with Oussama Assaidi and Stewart Downing being the outlets on the wings. As for the forwards, Rodgers will have another selection headache over whether to play Luis Suarez or field a couple of youngsters. Last time around it was Pacheco and Adam Morgan, and while none of them got on the score-sheet, a continued run may just help their development.

Steve Clarke was the number two last season and will more or less know the weaknesses of the recent Liverpool squad. As his side picked apart Liverpool on the opening day, it is the free flowing style which dislodged Liverpool. This time around Brendan Rogers will probably be tactically more aware, and given the way Liverpool has been dominating possession after the initial game, only the final third has to be worked upon. Given Liverpool’s woeful finishing in recent times, the West Bromwich defense wont be overly worried.

Given the circumstances and the Liverpool squad, they would do well to deliver a win, but West Bromwich Albion will make them work for it and may even fancy their chances given their performance the last time around, when they picked up all three points. Though a surprise pick, the Baggies will probably start as favourites.