Liverpool look to keep their top four hopes alive as the Reds travel to relegated West Bromwich Albion

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The Reds need three wins out of three to stand any chance of making Champions League football, and the late charge for the top four continues at the Hawthorns.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have left it very late to qualify for the top European competition, but are still in the race to do so as they sit fifth and only four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand.

The Merseyside club’s game against Manchester United was rearranged for Thursday evening and was finally able to go ahead.

A very end to end battle saw the Red Devils take the lead in the 10th minute. Bruno Fernandes found a pocket of space and fired a shot with the outside of his boot towards Alisson’s goal.

Nat Phillips was in the firing line as the ball bounced off the defender and into the net. The goal was given to the Portuguese midfielder though as his initial effort was going on target.

Liverpool’s defender had his part to play in the equaliser for the Reds. He was able to fire the ball back towards Diogo Jota who backheeled the ball into the net.

A well-worked free-kick routine saw the Reds take the lead just before the half-time whistle. Roberto Firmino met Trent Alexander-Arnold’s delivery to head the ball past the scrambling Dean Henderson.

Firmino was at the double two minutes into the second-half as the Brazillian extended Liverpool’s lead to 3-1. Marcus Rashford got a goal back in the 68th minute but Mohamed Salah’s 90th minute winner sealed a fantastic three points and a 4-2 victory over the Red Devils.

The Reds face the already relegated West Brom with Sam Allardyce’s men not winning in their last four league matches.

Last time out, the Baggies faced Arsenal at the Emirates and recorded their 19th loss of the season. First-half strikes from Emile Smith-Rowe and Nicolas Pepe put the Gunners in good stead for the remainder of the match.

Matheus Pereira’s goal in the 67th minute put the hosts on edge ever so slightly but a 90th minute winner from Willian sealed a vital three points for Mikel Arteta’s men as they continued their chase for European football.

West Brom were actually able to steal a point away at Liverpool the last time the two met in December at Anfield. Sadio Mane gave the hosts an early 12th minute lead and the Reds were destined to secure a victory over the Baggies but Semi Ajayi rescued a point for the visitors in the 82nd minute.

The West Midlands outfit have a poor record at the Hawthorns against the Merseyside club. August 2012 was the last time the Baggies recorded a victory over the Reds at their home with a 3-0 victory that afternoon.

That being said, Liverpool have only been able to win twice in the last six fixtures against West Brom at the Hawthorns with the majority of results ending in a draw.

A win for the Merseysider’s would be crucial in their hopes of a top four place with a draw simply not being good enough. The Baggies would want to end the season on a positive note as they are already relegated from the top flight and a shock result could be on the cards here.

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EFL/EPL and F1 writer. @AdrianKitaMedia on Twitter for any comments regarding my pieces on Prost International.

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