West Brom midfielder Ainslay Maitland-Niles is set to return to the squad for the visit of Champions League chasers Liverpool on Sunday. The already relegated Baggies play hosts to the Reds who are battling for a place in Europe’s premier club competition ahead of next season.
Maitland-Niles was not in the West Brom squad for the game that confirmed their relegation. Goals from Emile Smith-Rowe, Nicholas Pepe and Willian sealed their status as one of the three relegated teams this season. Brazilian player Matheus Pereira pulled a goal back for the Baggies in the second half of that game but it proved to be mere consolation after his compatriot Willian secured the win for the Gunners with a well taken free-kick. Smith-Rowe and Pepe had earlier given the Gunners a 2-0 lead at the interval.
The West Bromduo of Robert Snodgrass and BranislavIvanovic missed the Arsenal game. The two players will also miss the visit of the Reds and they are unlikely to feature again for the club this season.
For Liverpool, only a win would be enough in their quest to qualify for the Champions League ahead of the new season. The Merseyside giants secured a crucial win at the home of Manchester United on Thursday night to move closer to their target.
The 4-2 win over the Red Devils moved Liverpool to fifth place and within four points of fourth-placed Chelsea and six points off Leicester City in third place having played a game less than those two teams in the battle for a Champions League spot in the new season. Only two places are up for grabs for the three teams (Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester City).