Balotelli dropped, Lambert gets Liverpool start

Rickie Lambert is in line for his first Premier League start for Liverpool following Mario Balotelli’s failure to make an instant impact at Anfield.
Liverpool host West Brom today seeking a first league victory since August 31.
Balotelli has started five of the last six matches, but has come under scrutiny after managing just one goal since his £16m move from AC Milan.
In contrast, England striker Lambert has been restricted to a bit part role since moving from Southampton.
Rodgers has warned Liverpool may endure more pain before rediscovering a winning habit and admitted they are unrecognisable from last season.
“It must be so difficult for the supporters at the moment to see a team that for 18 months has been so fluent and dynamic,” said Rodgers.
“Now they probably look and see a team with maybe no resemblance to that in many ways.” Daniel Sturridge signed a new five year contract yesterday, but is set to be missing again due to a thigh problem.
“I may have had some good games and scored some goals, but literally this is the beginning in terms of what I can show,” said Sturridge, whose incentivised deal could be worth £40m.
Credit: Daily Express