In case you didn't believe me, here's statistical evidence that Liverpool have controlled the opening 10 minutes. No shots on target for the Reds though.

Image source, Opta

More like it from West Brom. The visitors get men forward into the box, but Craig Dawson's inswinging cross from the right flank is a tad too heavy. Salomon Rondon and Nacer Chadli needed to be taller than Peter Crouch to reach it.

Still all Liverpool. Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana link up in the right channel of the Albion box, the ball breaking out to Philippe Coutinho. "Shoooooot!" is the cry from the home fans. That he does. But an Albion backside gets in the way.

Image source, Reuters

Not sure West Brom have had a kick yet. Other than the kick-off of course... Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has seen plenty of the ball in these opening exchanges.

Lively start from the home side. They've shot out of the blocks like Linford Christie. Sadio Mane tries to beat Albion defender Nyom on the outside, the Liverpool winger eating turf as he goes down in the box.

"Penalty!" cries Anfield in unison. Referee Neil Swarbrick's shake of the head says otherwise.

Here we go! The lone figure of Salomon Rondon gets us going. Still can't get used to just one player kicking us off. Anyway...

A quick reminder of the two teams? You're on...

Liverpool: Karius, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Can, Henderson, Lallana, Mane, Firmino, Coutinho. Subs: Wijnaldum, Sturridge, Klavan, Moreno, Lucas, Mignolet, Origi. 

West Brom: Foster, Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Nyom, Fletcher, Yacob, Phillips, Chadli, McClean, Rondon. Subs: Robson-Kanu, Morrison, Gardner, Brunt, Myhill, Galloway, Leko. 

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)

Right then, almost show time. The players are out of the Anfield tunnel, the captains are hand-shaking with the officials, the PA system has been cranked up for Gerry and the Pacemakers...

Image source, Reuters

Football Focus

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson: "Liverpool have Firmino and Coutinho and Sturridge to a certain extent and there is no doubt they are top players but in tight games they all try to flick ball around and they have got to keep the ball."

Former Wales striker Dean Saunders: "I don't think Liverpool's defenders are top class. To win the Premier League you have to have top defenders as well as attackers."

But Anfield is not a place that has left West Brom overawed. The Baggies have left with three points tucked into their back pockets twice this decade - in 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 - and almost caused another scene in that 2-2 draw last season.

And they have travelled up the M6 today on a decent run of their own. Four games without defeat (albeit with three straight 1-1 draws) means the Baggies could boing-boing up to eighth today.

Other than that blip at Burnley, it has been a wonderful start for Liverpool in Jurgen Klopp's first full season at the helm.

Eight Premier League games, five wins, one defeat. 

And much of their success has come from Klopp trying to turn Anfield back into the fortress that it used to be. 

Opponents used to come off the bus back in the 1980s and early 1990s virtually knowing they would be going home with nothing but a bruised ego and a matchday programme.

This Liverpool side is unbeaten in their past 11 home games...

West Brom manager Tony Pulis, talking to BT Sport: "If you look at their front five they cost over £200m and everyone of them is a world-beater.

"That's why I think Liverpool will be close to winning the title this year. Add that to no European action and they have a great chance.

"Against the big teams you need everyone of your players to play to their maximum. We have got to work hard and show commitment we have showed all season."

On Jonas Olsson replacing the suspended Jonny Evans: "Jonas did well for us last season and we hope he takes that on."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talking to BT Sport: "When you come to any club you have to try to use the force of your own ground and that's what we have tried to do. We know it will be difficult because West Brom are very experienced. But we play the nice kind of football that can cause them problems too."

On his team selection: "Gini Wijnaldum trained twice but I didn't think it was fit enough for the line up." 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp makes just the one change from Monday's bore-draw against Manchester United - and it is the one we all guessed.

England attacking midfielder Adam Lallana returns to the Reds starting XI, with striker Daniel Sturridge dropping to the bench.

Image source, #bbcfootball

Albion gaffer Tony Pulis also makes a single switch - but his change is enforced. Centre-back Jonny Evans is suspended after already racking up five bookings this season. In comes Jonas Olsson for his first start since late August.

Image source, #bbcfootball

It's a bit windswept at Anfield. Former Reds winger Steve 'Shaggy' McManaman is struggling to keep his mane under control. Anyway - time for the team news....

And no-one could mock the Liverpool players if they did opt for a continental-style celebration tonight. Because a victory could see them move top of the Premier League.

Tottenham blew their chance at Bournemouth in the lunchtime game, now Arsenal could only manage a point against Middlesbrough. Talk about pooping Arsene Wenger's 67th birthday party...

Now it means that Liverpool will go top if they beat West Brom by two clear goals.

Cringeworthy celebration? Or admirable appreciation?

Image source, AFP

The hand-holding Liverpool players had barely returned to a fully-standing upright position before the mocking started on social media.

Non-Liverpool fans couldn't tap out 140 characters of derision quick enough. The word 'embarrassing' was used quite a few times.

The crime? Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool lads bowing to the Kop after nicking a late draw against West Brom last season.

But a win tonight against the same opposition might see them doing the same again...