Blog: Let's beat Baggies and rebuild momentum

Liverpool face West Bromwich Albion this afternoon and the team will be looking to get back to winning ways after the 2-0 reverse against Newcastle in their last Premier League outing.

The result last week was disappointing and on another day we might have come away with a point from St. James’ Park, which on reflection we probably deserved. That said, we didn’t reach the high standards we have set ourselves in previous performances, especially away from home. It’s how you react as team after a defeat though that’s important and I’m confident we can get back to winning ways this weekend.

The weekend result was put to one side on Thursday night as we came away from the Stade Tourbillon with a 0-0 draw against Sion in the Europa League, which ensured we remained unbeaten and retained first place in Group B.

As a result, we’re seeded for the round of 32 draw and will avoid knockout clashes with many of Europe’s top teams, though I don’t particularly fancy a reunion between Klopp and Borussia Dortmund after the German side finished runners-up in Group C.

Looking ahead to this weekend’s game against the Baggies, whether it’s Benteke, Origi or Firmino who start at the point of the attack, they will need to be much sharper in front of goal than they were last week.

Results on home turf have been encouraging so far under Klopp – three wins, two draws and only one defeat – and the Anfield faithful will be hoping for signs of further progress as the players get used to the new training and tactics.

However, Tony Pulis has his side well-drilled and they will provide tough opposition. They have lost just twice in seven occasions on their travels this season and sit in their usual mid-table position in the Premier League.

They’ve also conceded just five goals away from home and the attacking unit will need to be firing on all cylinders to unlock their stingy defence. But I think the sheer quality of players at the manager’s disposal will give the home supporters belief that they can put Pulis’ men to the sword.

Our back four will also be looking to continue the Baggies’ poor form in front of goal this season – scoring just four away from home and eight in total – and help goalkeeper Simon Mignolet leave L4 with another clean sheet.

Likely to start in the heart of defence is Dejan Lovren, who will be buoyed by his nomination for the Premier League Player of the Month award in recognition for his efforts since coming in for the injured Mamadou Sakho.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for Lovren as he has previously struggled to nail down a starting berth, but I hope he puts in another strong showing on Sunday to further prove his doubters wrong.

Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho’s recovery from the hamstring injury is also welcome news and he’ll be the first name on the teamsheet if declared fit enough to start. The Brazilian playmaker has been electric this season under Klopp and his craft and guile will add yet another dimension to Liverpool’s attacking play.

In other good news, club captain Jordan Henderson is pushing for more Premier League minutes under the new manager and his return will add extra competition for places in the centre of the park.

Liverpool face a hectic Christmas schedule with five matches – against West Brom, Watford, Leicester, Sunderland and West Ham – over the coming month and the home supporters would love to kick off the festive season with a win against the Midlands outfit.

We had been on a fantastic run of form before the trip to the north east on Sunday with four wins on the bounce, including goalfests on the road at Manchester City in the Premier League and Southampton in the Capital One Cup.

Overall then, nothing but a win will do for the Reds on Sunday as we head into a festive period of Premier League fixtures and a Capital One Cup semi-final. It’s all about momentum at this stage of the season and getting back to winning ways against West Brom is a must.

See more from Paul Baillie Lane at www.90min.com.