Mario Balotelli is body checked by Saido Berahino and it is a Liverpool free-kick, right outside the area...

Image source, Opta

Poor Victor Anichebe. He (10) has looked a lonely figure in the West Brom attack, as the above average positions map shows. Tony Pulis urges his side forward from the touchline but he isn't getting much of a response at the moment.

To add to that pre-season feel Brendan Rodgers has opted to take a more relaxed approach to watching the game. He is sat on a step, his back against one of the advertising hoardings.

Rodgers cranes his neck as Liverpool create a chance when Craig Dawson heads out to Dejan Lovren on the edge of the area, he nods the ball back in for Mario Balotelli, but the striker cannot get the crucial touch from eight yards.

West Brom's only threat has been from set pieces and they have the chance to get the ball into the box with a free-kick about 40 yards from goal. Craig Gardner takes it, sending the ball deep to Joleon Lescott, but he had strayed offside.

Image source, Reuters

It is a very flat atmosphere at the Hawthorns. Very flat. It all has the feel of a pre-season friendly.

West Brom may have little to play for but Liverpool really need the three points to keep their season alive. I can't fault their amount of time on the ball, but they are lacking a bit of incisiveness in the final third.

...easy pickings for Boaz Myhill in the West Brom goal as he plucks the ball from the corner out of the air.

Glen Johnson wins the first corner of the game as Craig Gardner ushers the ball behind...

The Hawthorns has seen 11 goals scored in the opening 15 minutes of matches this season. Liverpool are looking the most likely to score, but that quarter-of-an-hour mark is closing. Can they get an early opener?

Mickey Somiah: What is Rodgers playing at? Glen Johnson starting ahead of Javier Manquillo.

Image source, Opta

Even Saido Berahino is having to drop back and defend as Liverpool, who have had more than 75% possession, again come forward. This time it is Raheem Sterling, who has shaken off his ankle worry from prior to kick off, who breaks into the area on the left, crosses into the middle of the area but can't find a red shirt.

Better from West Brom as Chris Brunt lifts a free-kick to the edge of the area for Craig Dawson, he knocks it down for Craig Gardner, but his shot is through a crowd of players and wide.

Steven Gerrard is sitting deep in front of a Liverpool back four but at the moment their defence is not being tested, and doesn't likely to be any time soon with West Brom struggling to get the ball. The away side have had most of the possession, but are yet to really make it count.

Liverpool are straight on the attack as Mario Balotelli gets the ball, slips and then is bundled to the floor by Craig Gardner midway inside the West Brom half. Steven Gerrard floats the free-kick into the far corner for Jordon Ibe to chase, but he can't get there quick enough.

The last time these two teams played out a goalless draw at the Hawthorns was in November 1968. Have I just put into motion the curse of the commentator?

Liverpool get us under way...

It is almost 15:00 BST but first the players, officials and fans at the Hawthorns are about to observe a minute's silence to mark the 30th anniversary of the Bradford City fire.

Shouts of encouragement in the tunnel before the two teams stroll out to the pumping beats of dance classic Insomnia.

Image source, Getty Images

A personal landmark for Steven Gerrard as he makes his 500th appearance for Liverpool this afternoon. Only Ryan Giggs (632) and Jamie Carragher (508) have made more than 500 appearances in the division for a single club.

Are the days of serving one club for so long over? I'll be surprised if many others get close to those numbers.

Do you agree with Lawro? Have a read of his full Premier League predictions for this weekend.

Match of the Day commentator Tony Husband: "A year ago Liverpool looked set for a title triumph. Sunday's defeat against Aston Villa just highlighted the mixed success of the club's recruitment over the past 12 months.

"Liverpool lacked energy last Sunday and need a lift. A win and three points would certainly help the mood around Anfield.

"The immediate challenge for West Brom is to end a poor run at home - Leicester and QPR have both won at the Hawthorns in recent weeks. Tony Pulis has earned a reputation as a 'go to' man for clubs in danger of relegation. And why not - he's never been relegated in 23 years as a boss."

Not long until kick-off so time to call upon you good people to send in your views on anything and everything West Brom and Liverpool related.

Baggies fans are you safe? Liverpool supporters, can your side sneak into the top four? Where do your sides need to strengthen in the summer and is your current manager the right person for next season?

Let us know via #BBCWBALIV, external