3 key battles as Liverpool host West Brom at Anfield

Roberto Firmino vs Gareth McAuley

A major blow for the Baggies is the suspension to key man Jonny Evans. If there was a game this season where you needed your best defender, then it’s probably away at Anfield.

It’s uncertain how Tony Pulis will re-shuffle the defence, but it’s a given veteran McAuley will start and he will have to be at his very best if he’s to keep out Liverpool’s plethora of attacking talent and successfully marshal a patched up back four.

The man likely to lead that attack is Roberto Firmino. There were more than a few who raised their eyebrows when Liverpool bought Firmino, mainly due to the substantial fee associated, but it’s safe to say the Brazilian has already proven he’s worth every penny.

There aren’t many in the league who possess the guile and craft that the former Hoffenheim forward does, and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been getting the best out of him this season, with Firmino racking up three goals and two assists already.

A long afternoon for McAuley & Co. me thinks!