Liverpool
Reuters

Defending champions Liverpool face Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns in the third round of the League Cup.

Where to Watch

Kick-off is set for 8 pm BST. LFC TV will have a build-up to the match that starts at 7 pm. You can follow the game live via Gamecast on Soccernet. Watch highlights of the game on The League Cup Show on BBC One on at 11.15 pm.

Overview:

The Reds have suffered their worst league startin over 100 years, managing just two points from five games. Worse still, with injuries and suspensions to key players and a Premier League fixture away at Norwich City scheduled for next week, Brendan Rodgers is expected to field a young side for this clash against the team that beat them 0-3 in the season opener.

The Baggies, on the other hand, have had one of the best starts in their history and are fourth in the league table - above Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur - with 10 points from five games. Steve Clarke' side have suffered just one loss so far and are full of confidence, after managing some impressive results - including a draw at White Hart Lane and a 2-0 win at home over high-flying Everton. They safely negotiated their way through the League Cup second round with a 4-2 win away at League One side Yeovil Town last month and will be keen to progress further in the competition.

Team Form:

West Bromwich Albion

  • Last five (most recent first): W L W W D
  • Last Result: West Bromwich Albion 1 - 0 Reading

Liverpool

  • Last five (most recent first): L W D L D
  • Last Result: Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester United

Team News:

West Bromwich Albion
wba.co.uk

West Bromwich Albion: Striker Peter Odemwingie, who was sent off against Fulham, will serve the second of his three-game ban. Midfielders James Morrison, Jerome Thomas and defenders Goran Popov and Steven Reid are also unavailable for Clarke.

Liverpool: Martin Kelly is not expected to play again this year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament rupture on his right knee against Manchester United over the weekend, while Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini - who were also forced off in that game - are expected to spend time on the sidelines as well. Young wing-back Jon Flanagan remains a doubt for this clash, while Jonjo Shelvey will serve the first of his three-match ban after seeing a straight red against the Red Devils. Captain Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson and Joe Allen are also likely to be rested for this League Cup clash.

Henderson - Downing
Henderson and Downing are set to start against the Baggies Reuters

Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates are expected to feature in the centre of the back four, while Andre Wisdom and Jose Enrique are likely bets for the wing-backs. Jordan Henderson is likely to partner Nuri Sahin again in central midfield and youngster Suso, who came on against United, is also in line to make a start. Up front, Stewart Downing is likely to be back in the starting line-up and cover one of the flanks, with new signing Oussama Assaidi on the opposite wing. One of youngsters Adam Morgan, Samed Yesil and Dani Pacheco will lead the forward line.

Probable Line-ups:

West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2): Myhill; Tamas, Dawson, Olsson, Ridgewell; Gera, Mulumbu, Yacob, Brunt; Long, Lukaku

Liverpool: (4-3-3): Jones; Wisdom, Carragher, Coates, Enrique; Sahin, Henderson, Suso; Downing, Morgan, Assaidi