Liverpool vs West Bromwich Albion

23rd December

Sam Allardyce’s Baggies return to Premier League action after Christmas with a trip to reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday evening (ko 4.30pm).

Liverpool

Their last time out

Liverpool went into the festive period in fine form after a dominant 7-0 away win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park - their largest away win in the Premier League.

Braces from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, as well as goals from Takumi Minamino, Sadio Mané and Jordan Henderson saw the Reds extend their unbeaten league run to 10 matches going into Sunday’s clash with Albion.

In the dugout

Jürgen Klopp has engrained himself into the history books at Liverpool after moulding the Merseyside outfit into champions of English football since arriving in October, 2015.

The German led the Reds into the UEFA Champions League places in 2017, and the next year, secured them a place in the final for the first time since 2007. Unfortunately, they were defeated by Spanish giants Real Madrid 3-1 but their determination to become champions of Europe under Klopp was repaid the following season.

Liverpool reached the final of the tournament again in 2019 and this time, they prevailed after beating fellow Premier League side Tottenham 2-0. Klopp’s side showed no sign of relenting during the 2019/20 campaign and as a result, won their first ever Premier League title.

Overall, the former Borussia Dortmund gaffer has claimed four accolades during the five years he’s been in charge at Anfield - in addition to several individual honours; including PL Manager of the Season (19/20), LMA Manager of the Year (20) and the Best FIFA Men's Coach (19 and 20).

One to watch

Albion will be wary of Liverpool’s array of attacking talent, but Mo Salah’s recent form in front of goal is something to keep a particular eye on.

The Egyptian international has been finding the back of the net regularly in recent weeks for the Klopp’s side, netting five goals in his last four top-flight outings.

As well as Salah’s goal-scoring exploits, Brazilian Roberto Firmino goes into Sunday's game in equally good form since replacing the injured Diogo Jota in the starting XI - netting three goals in his last two Premier League matches.

Our last meeting

The Baggies’ last Premier League duel with the Merseyside outfit ended 2-2 at The Hawthorns in April, 2018 courtesy of goals from Jake Livermore and Salomon Rondon.

At Anfield, Albion have triumphed on several memorable occasions over the last decade; that 3-2 FA Cup win in January, 2018, Gareth McAuley and Romelu Lukaku’s strikes during February, 2013’s win, or this Peter Odemwingie finish which secured a 1-0 victory for the Baggies in April, 2012…

Stats

Liverpool

Mo Salah is currently the Premier League’s leading scorer with 13 goals.
Liverpool are the highest-scoring team in the division so far having found the net on 36 occasions.
Their fast possession-based play has also seen them produce the most passes (9,098).

Albion

Darnell Furlong remains the league’s best defender for aerial duels won (57)
Albion have scored in four of their last five trips to Anfield.
Sam Allardyce was the last manager to defeat Liverpool at Anfield during his tenure at Crystal Palace - winning 2-1 in April, 2017.

Head to head

	Liverpool wins	Draw	Albion wins
League	61	39	32
FA Cup	3	3	5
League Cup	3	2	1
Total	67	44	38

Our one to watch

Matheus Pereira will be eager to make up for lost time following his recent suspension.

The creative Brazilian served the last of his three-match ban following his dismissal against Crystal Palace at the start of December.

And with Allardyce joining the club during the attacking midfielder’s absence from the side, Pereira will want to use his creative flair and ability on the front foot to impress his new manager as the Baggies aim to secure points before the turn of the year.

Follow the game

Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.

To listen live to Baggies-biased commentary on WBA Radio for free for every home and away match during the 2020/21 season all you have to do is sign up for a free My Albion account.

If you haven't already you can create your My Albion account here. Click Create Account or register quickly with your Facebook or Google account.

Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.

If you have any issues registering or accessing your My Albion account please contact myalbion@wbafc.co.uk.

The game is also available to watch on Sky Sports.

27th December

Albion scored late to earn a superb 1-1 draw away at Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday evening at Anfield.

Sadio Mane fired the Reds ahead early on but the Baggies stayed in the game against their star-studded opponents, defending resolutely to give themselves a chance of taking something home.

And they secured a fantastic point with less than 10 minutes to play when substitute Matheus Pereira’s fantastic whipped cross was headed in by Semi Ajayi.

Sam Allardyce made one change to the team that played Aston Villa seven days earlier as Callum Robinson replaced the suspended Jake Livermore.

It took 12 minutes for Liverpool to open the scoring, Mane chesting Jordan Henderson’s pass down and slotting the ball past Sam Johnstone, but the Baggies managed to frustrate their hosts for the remainder of the first-half.

Mane, Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah all guided efforts off-target, with Romaine Sawyers’ blocked volley the only time Albion really threatened the Reds’ goal.

The visitors then had their first positive spell straight after the break. A number of quick counter attacks combined with some dangerous Darnell Furlong long throws put pressure on the Liverpool defence, and Karlan Grant’s half volley forced Alisson into making his maiden stop.

The home side were continuing to have the majority of possession but it was the the Baggies who were creating the better chances - Grady Diangana volleying wide from the edge of the box before Grant, baring down on goal, had his finish saved well by Alisson.

Pereira and Charlie Austin were introduced as Albion attempted to steal a point - and the equaliser came with less than 10 minute to play, Ajayi nodding a superb Pereira cross off the post and into the back of the Liverpool net.

The Baggies had to withstand a late Liverpool onslaught as substitute Rhys Williams had a chance from a cross and several crosses were fired into the box, but Albion held on for another crucial point against one of the league's most established sides.

Albion: Johnstone, Furlong, Ajayi, O’Shea, Gibbs; Phillips, Sawyers, Gallagher (Ivanovic 90), Diangana, Grant (Austin 78), Robinson (Pereira 73).

Substitutes: Button, Kipre, Peltier, Harper, Krovinovic, Grosicki.

Sunday 27th December 2020 - 16:30