Mario Balotelli paid the price for a poor start to his Liverpool career as the Italy striker was dropped for Saturday's Premier League clash against West Bromwich Albion.

Balotelli has scored just once in seven appearances for the Reds since his £16 million ($25 million) transfer from AC Milan and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers opted to leave the former Manchester City star on the bench for the Baggies' visit to Anfield.

With Balotelli axed, Rodgers, who had expressed disappointment with the Italian's form after Liverpool's midweek Champions League defeat against Swiss side Basel, handed Rickie Lambert his first Premier League start since his pre-season move from Southampton.

Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno and England midfielder Adam Lallana also came into the starting line-up as Rodgers made three changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Basel.