Friday's musing on WBA

Linked from http://images.teamtalk.com/11/02/402x210/Roy-Hodgson-West-Brom-boss2_2563271.jpg

So, it's off to West Bromwich Albion we go. A visit to the Midlands club last season ended in broken dreams as WBA won 2-1. What's at stake here? For Roy, deep down he wants to one over Liverpool ; in part due to the fans' rejection of his tenure as Liverpool manager. Many articles has been written about Hodgson's impossible situation: He was seen as a stand-in for unpopular owners, he played sensible but deadly boring football which proved unusable, and he had to face the presence of King Kenny who was supportive, but loomed large as a living breathing embodiment of Liverpool Football Club.

What's at stake for Liverpool? 3 precious points in the fight for 4th place. Totenham and Arsenal has been stringing together wins, while Liverpool has limped from one draw to another. Letting Man United and Norwich escape with draws meant 4 points dropped which is equivalent to loosing a game and drawing one more. Looking at the previous season's comparison, Liverpool could go +11 points compared to corresponding fixtures. If this does come to past, and if the upward trend continues, hopes for a demanded 4th place would be met easily.

Form guide: Liverpool's last 5 games has seen  1 loss (the debacle at the Lane) followed by 2 wins of Wolves and Everton, and two costly draws versus the Mancs and Norwich.  WBA has scored similar number of points, with an upswing in results -  1 loss, 2 draws, and 2 wins.  So, it would like seem like WBA is on the rise, if you forego the Carling Cup victory over Stoke which will be a massive boost - coming from behind to win at a Stadium was was unwinnable for sometime (just like the Emirates!)

At home , WBA has been indifferent , winning one, drawing one and loosing two games. This looks encouraging, only until we take Liverpool's away form, 2 wins ,2 looses and a draw. Of course, in Liverpools defence, not many team will beat Spur and Stoke away.

I actually think Liverpool plays better away  for now. The crushing weight of expectation by the Anfield crowd seems to rest heavily on players like Henderson and Carroll. Playing away allows for quick counter attacks which suits Liverpool's play, as tricky flicks have not worked out quite yet.

Travelling news, both teams traveled away to contrasting fortunes. Everton beat WBA at extra time, while Liverpool saw off Stoke. I'm hopping the tired legs of WBA will play a part (I don't know if the full team was fielded), as Liverpool played fringe players. Edit:  Reader Wayne Russel pointed out it was a week ago when WBA lost to Everton, so they had a week to prepare. His twitter handle is @JohntyThompson.

A big part of the equation will be solved once Suarez's knock is accessed - but two key players will be back for Liverpool, Enrique and Gerrard.

Injury news, I'm glad Simon Long wouldn't be fielded. He's a big threat alongside Odemwingie. Liverpool's dangermen would be Gerrard and Suarez, while Carroll is due a goal soon. 

The longer I write this, the more assured I am of a Liverpool win! Delusional or hopeful? Take your pick!