The view from West Brom: 'This game is like a derby clash for me'

The Baggies come into the fixture having lost only one of their last five fixtures in all competitions; however, the Reds are determined to muster an instant riposte to Monday’s reversal at Swansea City.

Dave, who has been based in the city for a decade and currently works at The Beatles Story attraction on the Albert Dock, feels Alan Pardew’s men will attempt to offer more going forward than they did during the goalless draw the teams played out in the Premier League last month, but tells us why he's wary of the sizeable threat of the home side...

How’s the season going so far?

The first half of the season has been poor for us; we have struggled to win games and haven’t been clinical enough in front of goal. We do, however, have a talented squad of players - probably one of the best I’ve ever seen at West Brom - and performances under Alan Pardew are now a lot better.

How’s Pardew done since coming in?

He’s done great; he’s found a team and a style that suits us, and we seem to be playing with a lot more confidence. We are going out and attacking the opposition teams with some purpose now, something we need to do if we want to start picking up the results needed to get us out of the relegation zone.

Who do Liverpool need to be wary of?

Rondon has shown some good form in recent games; he’s been working very hard and did everything apart from score at Goodison last weekend. Grzegorz Krychowiak seems to have been given more creative license under Pardew and impressed with his assist at against Everton. Matty Phillips is great going forward and running with the ball.

Which Liverpool players are you most concerned about coming up against?

Everyone knows how strong Liverpool can be going forward. The front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino are certainly something to worry about – if they play in the Cup.

Do you expect a similar approach to the league game at Anfield in December?

A similar approach yes, but we will attack more. We’ll be hoping to continue our run of decent performances and maintain the momentum needed for the league. We know from recent games that we are capable of getting a result and played well at Goodison last weekend - and we really should’ve won it.

Is an FA Cup run good for West Brom, or a distraction on league targets?

Staying in the Premier League should be the priority, but the Cup has given us the momentum needed to succeed in recent league games. The Cup win at Exeter City was very important and we’ll be looking for another strong performance to help us grow in confidence for the league.

What kind of line-up do you expect to see from West Brom?

I don’t expect there will be many changes, maybe one or two. Pardew doesn’t have many other options available and he’ll want to keep the same group playing together.

Where will the game be won and lost for you?

A lot will depend which team Klopp chooses and how well West Brom can limit Liverpool’s chances. We can defend well, but need to be more clinical with our chances in front of goal. Liverpool’s game against Swansea showed us set pieces can present chances for the so-called underdogs – and we’re pretty good at those…

Any possible mixed emotions, given you work in Liverpool?

I haven’t had chance to enjoy a local derby this season, so these games are the next best thing for me. I’ve lived in Liverpool for over 10 years, and have many Liverpool-supporting friends who ensure these games are interesting. From working in Liverpool’s tourism industry, at The Beatles Story, I’ve seen it makes a huge difference if the city’s teams are in European football, so I like to see the Reds do well… but not against the Baggies!

Prediction for the game?

I think it will be 2-2 and a replay at the Hawthorns. Come on you Baggies!

For more from Dave, follow him on Twitter @mistermilner.