Steve Clarke: West Brom must respond against Crystal Palace

Clarke believes his side will respond against the Eagles at The Hawthorns after a Luis Suarez-inspired Reds won 4-1 to end the Baggies' five-match unbeaten run.

Suarez netted a hat-trick and Daniel Sturridge scored with James Morrison's second-half penalty scant consolation for Albion, but Clarke does not expect his players to dwell on the loss.

"We've got good experience in the group and I don't expect it to be a problem," he said.

"I expect a good response and a big performance in what is a big game for us next weekend now.

"We have Crystal Palace at home in the middle of a difficult little run, because after Palace we have to go to Stamford Bridge, which is never an easy place to go.

"So we have to make sure we're right and mentally the players will be fine. They've got good experience of this league and they know how to get results and come back from reverses, and Saturday was definitely a reverse.

"I'm not going to hype the game up but it's against Palace, who at the moment are struggling for a little bit of form.

"We're at home and we've been playing well so we have to put Saturday down hopefully as a blip in what's been otherwise quite an impressive run.

"And we look to bounce back with a good performance and a solid win."

Clarke was today awaiting news on the fitness of Morgan Amalfitano with the French midfielder being assessed by medics after limping off at Anfield with a knee injury.

And the Baggies boss paid tribute to Suarez and Sturridge, who turned in a superb display to leave the Baggies well beaten.

"I never over-criticise my players," said Clarke.

"Any criticism I have for the players will come inside the dressing room.

"At the moment the front two for Liverpool, Sturridge and Suarez, are electric and we saw that on Saturday.

"Sometimes you have to take your hat off and say 'well played' to the opposition and that's what we have to do."