West Bromwich Albion vs Liverpool. Premier League.
The HawthornsAttendance26,196.
Sunday 15 May 2016 15:54, UK
Liverpool will rest a number of first-team players with one eye on the Europa League final when they travel to West Brom on Sunday.
The Reds are in Basel next Wednesday to face Sevilla in the final, with the winner earning a spot in next season's Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp made eight changes against Watford last weekend and is likely to do the same again. The highest Liverpool could finish in the Premier League is sixth, if they beat West Brom and West Ham and Southampton lose.
There is also a chance that Liverpool and West Ham could face a play-off to decide which club qualifies for next season's Europa League if they finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored.
While Liverpool are finishing the season on a high, the Baggies have faded in recent months and have not won since beating Manchester United on March 6.
They have also failed to score in their last three home games and could end up 16th if they lose and Bournemouth win at Manchester United.
Team news
West Brom midfielder Darren Fletcher has been playing with a knee injury for the last six weeks but is expected to feature.
James Morrison (hamstring), Chris Brunt (knee) and James McClean (back) are out, with Stephane Sessegnon a doubt.
With Klopp expected to ring the changes, striker Danny Ings, out since October after cruciate knee ligament surgery, could feature for the first time under the German.
Youngster Sergi Canos could also be involved after he returned from an impressive loan spell with Brentford.
Opta stats
Liverpool have lost none of the last five Premier League games against West Brom (W2 D3).
Daniel Sturridge has scored in both of his Premier League appearances for Liverpool against West Brom.
Liverpool have lost each of their last three final day fixtures in the Premier League which have been away from Anfield (2011, 2012 and 2015).
West Brom have won just one of their nine final day Premier League matches (W1 D5 L3).
Six of Christian Benteke's nine Premier League goals for Liverpool have come as a substitute - more than any other player has managed this season in the top-flight.
The Reds have found the back of the net in each of their last 13 Premier League games, their longest scoring run in the competition since April 2014 (25).
James Milner has provided 11 assists in the Premier League this season, two more than any other English player (Dele Alli next on nine).
Merson's prediction
Liverpool will play their reserves with the Europa League final next week. The final is the be-all and end-all for them, they have to win it to get into the Champions League next season.
It's a massive game for Liverpool, I can't see them not resting players at the weekend.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
West Brom's last clash with Liverpool ended 2-2 at Anfield earlier this season and Sky Bet offer 11/1 for a repeat of that scoreline.
A home win can be backed at 7/5, while the Reds - who have the Europs League to look forward to next week - are on offer as the outsiders at 9/5.
A much tighter game could unfold compared to the reverse fixture and it's evens that under 2.5 goals are scored, with 0-0 available at 12/1 in the correct score market.
