Last but not least

LIVERPOOL v WEST BROM

Monday night brings us the final match of this weekends premier league fixtures.  Prior to the weekend Liverpool would of hoped some of their closest rivals may have slipped up, sadly all of them won and this now puts pressure back on the reds.  They have a very favourable set of run in fixtures for a European push.  But if they progress in the Europa league they will continually be playing after their rivals.  This will be a major test of character for this youthful side.  They come into this match after two impressive performances away from home but some have also commented about their inability to see the match out and gain victories.   The home form has been very impressive with four wins in the last five with the loss to Aston Villa being the only blip.  Of these four victories all have seen a clean sheet for the home side.  At home Liverpool have averaged just below two goals per home game but this is increasing.   Their opponents could not be in worse form going to Anfield.  After the bright enthusiastic start to the season winter has brought a feeling of doubt.  To couple with a recent defeats Steve Clarke now has to deal with a player who tried to force a transfer to QPR & other players now unhappy to play alongside him.  This is a real test in a fledgling managerial career.  Looking at their recent form they have lost six of their last eight.  Away from home is a similar story with five defeats in six and in all of these defeats the opponents have scored two or more goals.  If these stats we not ominous enough for the baggies they have lost on four of their last five trips to Anfield and in these four defeats they have not scored also.  Overall I'm backing a Liverpool victory and a couple of goals but it may not be as easy as form would suggest.

Thanks for reading and good luck !!!