Liverpool v West Brom: Inside track on the Premier League champions
West Brom make the daunting trip to face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend - get to know their opponents here.
We spoke with John Gibbons, from The Anfield Wrap, to get a proper look at the Premier League champions.
See what he had to say here...
It seems we've seen Liverpool really pick up this season, and after a mixed start they look like title favourites once again, is this a fair assumption?
Yes I think so. We were a bit worried after the Villa debacle and then the season ending injury to Virgil Van Djik coming in the very next game.
But Liverpool have shown themselves to still be the best team in the league since then.
In a season when everyone will drop more points than normal, Liverpool look the most consistent side and should be champions again.
Jurgen Klopp's side are coming off one of the performances of the season against Crystal Palace, do you think the side have really shifted into gear now?
Yes I think so.
The full backs are vital to how we play and are bang in form now, they both got assists at the weekend.
Jordan Henderson has been brilliant the last month alongside Wjinaldum, who to be fair has been great all season.
And ahead of them the main front three are all back in the goals too, so yes, Liverpool are looking back to our best.
On paper this fixture looks incredibly one-sided, is there any worries that complacency could come into play for Liverpool?
I don't think so, I think Fulham away was a wake up call in that regard.
I don't see the team dropping their intensity again so soon after that. The leaders in the dressing room won't allow it.
Are there any injury/covid worries heading into this fixture?
No fresh ones, fortunately.
Van Dijk, Gomez and Jota are all long term.
Thiago, Milner and Shaqiri are close to coming back but probably not for this game.
We have a "normal" number of injuries now rather than the ridiculous situation of a month ago.
What's your predicted XI?
Alisson; Alexander Arnold, Fabinho, Matip, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane
The only real question mark is Curtis Jones, with Keita and Chamberlain back in contention, but Curt dropped out against Palace so I think will come back in.
Who are the form players Albion will need to keep quiet in this clash?
Well Mo Salah is the Premier League top scorer so he seems like a decent place to start.
He was on the bench against Palace and still managed two goals and an assist.
What have you made of Albion from afar? Do you think Big Sam will be able to work his magic to keep them up?
So far they have reminded me of Norwich last season in that I have enjoyed watching them but then you worry they won't get enough got results to stay up.
You even have a midfielder who looks like Todd Cantwell. But obviously Big Sam will change all that! Well certainly the style of football. We'll see about the results.
Your match prediction?
3-0 Liverpool.
