West Bromwich Albion assistant manager Keith Downing is expecting a difficult match against a new-look Liverpool in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.
The Baggies have enjoyed a great start to the season and sit in fourth place in the Premier League, while the Reds have made their worst opening to a campaign in 100 years and find themselves in the relegation zone.
Despite the contrasting league form of the two sides, Downing is adamant that the Merseysiders will not be a walkover when the two meet in the Capital One Cup.
"I have watched them a couple of times recently and against Manchester United they were the better side, even with 10 men," said Downing. "I thought they played exceptionally well and there was a controversial sending-off.
"At Sunderland they earned a valuable point which could have been all three. So they're a good team. They are in a transitional period but there are signs Brendan [Rodgers] is getting things right.
"It will be a tight game, I envisage another difficult game and I don't think the first game will have much bearing on it."
Liverpool are the current holders of the cup having won it for the eighth time last year.
Matt Cotton
