Liverpool make the short trip to the Britannia on Sunday evening as they prepare to face a new look Stoke side managed by Mark Hughes. Brendan Rodgers this week has been in the news for taking the mick out of Chelsea but here's hoping the boss has kept his concentration on what could be a difficult game for the Reds.
There is an improved situation for the Reds concerning injuries as Sturridge and Sakho are hoped to be welcomed back for this fixture. Blows though include a long sideline spell for Daniel Agger and the missing Jose Enrique.
For Stoke, they are unable to field Oussama Assaidi against his parent club and they also have some injury problems between the sticks meaning Jack Butland will start in goal. Also unavailable for Stoke is Robert Huth who recently underwent knee surgery.
The last time the two sides met I was in a boiling hot Tenerife (take me back!) and I vividly remember watching the game in a pub full of Celtic fans whilst they were all watching their game haha. Daniel Sturridge scored the only goal that day in a 1-0 Liverpool win.
The last time Liverpool travelled to Stoke it ended badly for the Reds who fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Tony Pulis' side. Steven Gerrard scored a penalty that day after two minutes but Stoke found the back of the net on three occasions.
On the whole the Reds have a decent record against Stoke but they're the sort of side that can create an upset and I feel Liverpool need to ensure they take their chances on Sunday or they will suffer.
Stat Sandwich
- Liverpool have failed to score in only two of their 20 Premier League games.
- Stoke are unbeaten at home in their last seven games.
- The Reds have scored the first goal of the game on 15 out of 20 occasions so far this season.
I asked you for your score predictions on Twitter and here are a few of the tweets I received. Thanks to everybody that took the time to reply! I think it's quite a varied view on this match to be fair.
I don't think I'm going to get chance to put a quid on the game tomorrow but if I was having a punt I would say 2-0. I'd love for Sturridge to come on and score to.
Wherever you're watching, enjoy the match folks!