Venus excited ahead of Anfield clash

Despite being separated by 15-points and 16-Premiership places, Assistant Manager, Mark Venus, insists none of the players or staff are daunted by the prospect of facing Liverpool at Anfield this Saturday (KO 5.30pm).

The two teams have similar records with Liverpool making the best start of any club to a Premiership season and Albion breaking their own individual opening record to a campaign; however the two find themselves at opposite ends of the table with Liverpool in 2^nd and the Baggies perched in 19^th.

After claming the Championship trophy last term, Venus insists both players and staff have earned the right to test their wits against the best but is under no illusion the task ahead of the Baggies.

"Liverpool are a top-four team on the crest of a wave despite their last league result," Venus said.

"They've got a belief this year they can get in among the top-two in the league - and who says they can't?

"They've spent a lot of money on the team and have a decent balance.

"It's Liverpool FC - a great game for our players.

"It's a terrific challenge for them.

"We've come up from the Championship and the players are still learning the league.

"The team was only really assembled 12 months ago and they're still getting adjusted to the Premier League.

"But it's great to take on these type of players at this type of ground.

"Everyone has to play Liverpool home and away and we, as coaches, are looking forward to having a go too."

Albion have already travelled to the home of Arsenal and Manchester United this season, and although not picking up any points, Mowbray's No.2 is encouraging the players to take heart from impressive spells.

"When you play the top sides you can feel the quality of the opposition," added Venus.

"The strikers also have that bit extra to make a difference to their team.

"They don't need three or four chances.

"They generally only need one and it's in the back of your net.

"On the other hand, I thought we did alright after the first 20 minutes at Arsenal.

"And, for at least the first 45 minutes at Manchester United, we acquitted ourselves well.

"I don't think we've been totally rolled over but they are big clubs with big players.

"We're holding our own in this league.

"We're giving as good as we get.

"It's obviously disappointing when you concede goals late on and a couple of sloppy ones as we've gone along.

"But, overall, our performance level has been fine.

"Teams have known they've been in a game and that the result could have gone either way."