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Stoke are without Charlie Adam who has taken leave after his Father passed away. Another ex Red Michael Owen though could be available after returning from a recent injury. For Liverpool, thankfully there are no new injury worries.
The last time the two sides met was in October and the game ended in a 0-0 draw at Anfield. In terms of the Reds at Stoke there's been a lot of draws recently and Stoke also picked up wins in 2011 and 2010. This is usually the sort of game for Liverpool that would see them get just the one point but if the lads can play like they did against Fulham then Stoke could become very flustered.
Stoke haven't lost in their last 6 Premier League games whilst Liverpool have lost twice. I'm afraid there's no stat sandwich today due to my match preview being rather early but I'm sure you'll all have enough turkey sandwiches to keep you going!
Stoke have a very good record at home and for me this is always a tough game for Liverpool, unfortunately I can see it being a score draw. If Gerrard is freed up as much as he was at the weekend though that would improve our attacking options, we need full force to break through the Stoke defence and I would also think an early lead would do us wonders, we can't afford to be wasting chances.
Whatever the score I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! Best Wishes from me here at The Liver Bird.