Liverpool vs. West Bromwich Albion: 5 Key Battles for Reds and Baggies

Liverpool face off against former manager Roy Hodgson for the second time since his departure and the installation of Kenny Dalglish last January. The Reds were stifled by Hogdson the last time they traveled to the Hawthorns, and will hope for a better result at the weekend.

Roy Hogdson has stated his worry over the Luis Suarez factor, the striker dazzled the traveling Reds fans with a spectacular display of skill against Stoke City on Wednesday night, securing their progress to the quarter finals of the Carling Cup.

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"Every game I've seen him play this year, he's looked incredible," said Hodgson.

"Even the Norwich game, he didn't score but it was a more a miracle that he didn't score, he got so many chances for himself. He is a very good player, a very dangerous player."

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Suarez has been a thorn in Stoke's side, as he has three goals against them in as many games. It was against them that he scored only minutes into his Anfield debut back in February. He is also the biggest threat to West Brom's chances, and he has looked up for it all season.

The Reds now have to turn full focus back to the league, especially as two frustrating draws against Manchester United and Norwich City have them feeling they should be four more points to the good.

West Brom have been on the up lately, but the recent injury to their leading scorer Shane Long leaves the goal scoring duties back in the hands of Peter Odemwingie. However, his feet are more than capable when put to the test.

It should be a great game between the two sides. Liverpool are on form and, if they can continue to finish like they did against Stoke, they should take the match against the Baggies.

Paul Scharner vs. Lucas Leiva

Lucas Leiva returned to Liverpool's lineup against Stoke City in midweek after spending a match in the stands over the weekend. His suspension was due to already having racked up five yellows this season.

Paul Scharner has been the main man in West Brom's midfield for the last few games, so Lucas will be attempting to shut down his distribution to Peter Odemwingie up front.

Steven Gerrard vs. Chris Brunt

Steven Gerrard got the night off as the Reds took on Stoke City on Wednesday. That will not be the case this weekend, and Captain Fantastic will be recalled to drive the Liverpool midfield forward against West Brom.

Chris Brunt will not be directly facing Gerrard one-on-one, but the two of them are the heartbeat of their side's midfield, and are their club's captains.

Both will be pushing to assert their presence in attack, whoever is the more successful will have a lot to add to the end result.

Peter Odemwingie vs. Jamie Carragher

Vice-captain Jamie Carragher will have the job of stamping out the imposing attacking presence of West Brom's Peter Odemwingie. The veteran continues to be a solid performer for the Reds, and his experience in undeniable.

His opponent was the third highest goal scorer in the EPL last season with 15, and while he's yet to find his full form this season, he is still extremely dangerous.

Luis Suarez vs. Jonas Ollson

Luis Suarez ended his frustration over not putting a ball in the back of the net with a second half brace against Stoke City in Wednesday's game against Stoke City.

His first effort is one of the best we have seen all season and his second proved that, despite his short stature, he can rise to the occasion for a headed effort at goal.

Jonas Olsson will have his hands full with Suarez, who will no doubt be once again on the goal hunt. He continues to be relentless in attack for the Reds and his form is improving with every match.

When he hits full stride he could be hell on wheels for any club he faces.

Craig Bellamy vs Steven Reid

Craig Bellamy made a cameo appearance in the Carling Cup match after having a fine display against Norwich City last weekend.

The Welshman continues to look a great buy for Kenny Dalglish and, after getting a partial rest in midweek, he could be in line for a return to the first 11.

Steven Reid could be set to mark Liverpool's "Spitfire," depending on which side he lines up on.

The left is his preferred, but he could switch flanks with Stewart Downing depending on Kenny Dalglish's game plan.

Conclusion

The Baggies upset the Reds 2-1 the last time they played at the Hawthorns. Roy Hogdson will hope they can repeat the feat, but the Reds have looked more dangerous than their score lines have shown lately.

For more information on all 10 of this weeks EPL matches you can check out English Premier League: Week 10 EPL Match Previews and Predictions.

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