After tasting defeat in his first West Midlands Derby, Pepe Mel brings his side back to the Hawthorns to face Brendan Rodgers’ men, with our tipster backing early goals

West Bromwich Albion lost a thriller midweek against their rivals Aston Villa and must pick themselves up to face a Liverpool side who came out on top in their own derby match, thrashing Everton 4-0.

Pepe Mel has had an uncertain start to his West Brom reign, yet to find a victory. The Baggies are flirting with the relegation places after the round of matches midweek, sitting in 15th position, three points above West Ham in 18th. Bet365 price them at 9/2 (5.50) to take all three points.

Liverpool are currently on a run of six games unbeaten winning five of those matches. Brendan Rodgers men have been scoring for fun in those matches, netting five goals last time out away in the league.

With the Reds still occupying fourth place, the realisation of a chance to qualify for the Champions League is becoming more likely. Bet365 price them at 8/13 (1.62), with the same firm pricing the draw at 14/5 (3.80).

Liverpool are a tad skinny to back in this match despite being in fine form. The same can be said for the over 2.5 goals bet, with 4/7 (1.57) certainly not standing out.

However, it’s worth staying in the total goals market and looking at total first half goals. A bet that has paid out on numerous occasions in Liverpool matches this season is over 1.5 first half goals, and the price of 5/4 (2.25) is certainly worth backing. With this bet landing easily in both these teams last matches, expect early goals at the Hawthorns.

Sign up for a first deposit bonus of up to £200