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Match:Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion

Date: Saturday, October 4 (kick off 3pm)

Manager: Alan Irvine. A softly-spoken Scot who has spent the majority of his career out of the spotlight, whether assisting at Everton or taking charge of those lower down the divisions. He served as David Moyes' assistant on Merseyside for five years before leaving to take up the manager's position at Preston North End in November 2007.

After getting the club into the playoffs in his first full season in charge, he was sacked in December 2009 after the 2009/10 season started poorly. No sooner than a month later, he took charge of Sheffield Wednesday but ultimately couldn't keep them in the Championship, suffering relegation on the final day of the season. He was dismissed in 2010/11 with Wednesday 12th in League One before re-joining Everton that summer as a youth coach.

He has a big reputation in terms of promoting and developing youth players, which made him an attractive option for West Brom, who were looking to rebuild after a few years of instability both on and off the pitch. Regarded as a safe option by many, his football can mirror that, with a rigid 4-4-1-1 formation that focuses on defence first.

Form: There is plenty of boing in the Baggies' step at the moment with three consecutive wins. After five games without victory to open the season - although they did dispose of League Two side Oxford United on penalties in the League Cup - they have responded well. A victory away to Tottenham was followed by a thrilling League Cup third round win at home to Hull City. The 4-0 win against Burnley at the Hawthorns saw them tear apart a side who had been solid beforehand, keeping three consecutive clean sheets.

How they'll set up: Irvine has adopted a 4-4-1-1 formation, with his two wide players - expected to be Chris Brunt and Graham Dorrans - moving infield to create a 4-2-2-2.

Ben Foster will line up in goal, with Joleon Lescott and Craig Dawson forming a solid partnership in the centre of defence. On the left, Sebastien Pocognoli is a steady operator, while Costa Rican international and World Cup hero Cristian Gamboa should come in at right back with on-loan Reds defender Andre Wisdom inelligble. Though Gamboa showed his attacking intent at the World Cup, Belgian Pocognoli has been the full back to move forward with more intent.

The new-look defence has helped West Brom. Before Lescott's arrival, West Brom made four defensive errors leading to goals. His experience and influence has seen them keep two consecutive clean sheets in the league, however - albeit one was against shot-shy Burnley.

In midfield, they will look to stifle the Reds. With an average of just 44% possession away from home so far this season, Irvine's side have no problem allowing the opposition to have the ball before looking to dispossess and break quickly. Craig Gardner and James Morrison have been operating together in central midfield, with Brunt and Dorrans offering support when defending, making a solid four in midfield. In possession, Dorrans and Brunt will look to move forward and support Stephane Sessegnon and the tricky Saido Berahino up front.

Indeed, much of the side will be set up to provide Berahino chances. The 21-year-old has scored four goals in six starts and has flourished in a central position, with Frenchman Sessegnon floating behind.

Although they are organised, Irvine seemingly encourages his side to provide moments of individual skill in one-on-one situations. They have been successful in 64% of their attempts to take on players - higher than any other side in the Premier League - but interestingly, such success is distributed throughout the team. The player with the most success, Morrison, has managed six successful take ons - which puts him outside the league's top 50. Berahino, Dorrans and Sessegnon all chip in with five apiece, highlighting how their good work is very much a team effort.

The organisation permeates all parts of their play and, with four goals from set-pieces, are one of the league's most dangerous teams from dead balls. They have also scored from more corners (3) than any other. Music to Liverpool's ears, no doubt.

Liverpool v West Brom: leading scorers 5 3 3

Sum them up in 140 characters: Boing boinging between really bad and really good, truth lies somewhere in middle. Organised. Beware of tall men, corners and Adrian Chiles.

Player to watch: Chris Brunt. Berahino is undoubtedly the star of the side, but the Northern Irishman could be equipped to give Liverpool the biggest problem. In the 3-1 defeat to West Ham, Stewart Downing showed how a left-footed winger-cum-attacking midfielder can drift off the back of the midfield and operate in the space in front of the defence.

With two assists and seven chances created this season, the captain is a threat with the ball at his feet. His movement will also cause problems, moving in-field without the ball and driving out wide when he does have it, looking to supply Berahino in the box. His work from set-pieces should also be respected.