West Brom v Liverpool: Rodgers looking to end first day hoodoo

Brendan Rodgers seems to suffer from new-job nerves more than most if his four previous managerial bows are anything to go by.

This is nothing for the Northern Irishman to be ashamed of; it’s quite common, actually. However, for those ruthless individuals who want to profit from Rodgers’ jitters, you can back West Brom at 11/4 for a home win.

At his three previous clubs – Watford, Reading and Swansea – Rodgers is yet to win his first match in charge, scoring just one goal. This pattern continued into last season too, despite it being his second at the Swansea helm, when his team was mauled at Man City by four goals without reply.

He’ll need to get off to a strong start to win the Anfield crowd over since he’s filling their favourite son’s shoes in the dugout but, not dissimilar to their new boss, Liverpool haven’t won in their last three opening day games either.

However, fortunately for Rodgers, the Baggies have been just as sluggish out the blocks in recent seasons, losing four from five and shipping 12 goals along the way.

Rodgers also got the better of the west Midlands club home and away last season too so should have a solid blueprint in place to topple them again this time around.

Whatever happens at the Hawthorns, history tells us that, aside from the new Liverpool manager struggling to keep his butterflies in order, is that both teams do not score when these sides meet.

Only once in 12 of the last 13 renewals have seen only one side find the back of the net and for that to happen again here is available to punters at 5/6.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.