The Stoke City vs Liverpool match will be played this Sunday, January 12, 2014 (8:00 AM Pacific, 16:00 GMT). Liverpool travel to the Brittania Stadium to face Stoke City in what could turn out to be a very tough clash for the Reds.
Stoke have found a new identity under new manager Mark Hughes this season and have become a more watchable side. However, such is the nature of the Premier League this year that despite the Potters currently occupying 12th position in the league, they can easily find themselves sucked into the relegation battle with a couple of defeats.
Stoke welcome Liverpool on Sunday and the Potters will be quietly confident, having got the better of the Reds on their previous three meetings at home and the fact that they have not lost in their last seven at the Brittania. But, Stoke cannot rest on their laurels, especially against a Liverpool side enjoying a fantastic season, and will certainly have to play well if they are to claim another famous victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Liverpool do not have the best of records against Stoke, but the Reds perhaps travel to the Brittania Stadium in better shape this time around than any of the last five occasions. If Liverpool are to maintain their hopes of mounting a title challenge then it is vital that the Reds pick up all three points in such clashes. However, it will be easier said than done and Liverpool will have to do well to claim a victory on Sunday.
Stoke City
Mark Hughes may be without his first and second choice goalkeepers in Asmir Begovic and Thomas Sorensen, which means that England International Jack Butland looks set to start in goal for the Potters. Robert Huth and Andy Wilkinson are sidelined due to injury while Oussama Assaidi will be ineligible to feature against his parent club.
Jonathan Walters looks set to replace Assaidi in the starting line-up while Matthew Etherington will also be in contention. Geoff Cameron, Erik Pieters, Ryan Shawcross and Marc Wilson look set to start in defence, while the trio of Steven N’Zonzi, Charlie Adam and Glen Whelan will probably start in midfield.
Peter Crouch may return to the starting lineup in place of Kenwyne Jones with the beanpole striker being provided support by Marko Arnautovic and Jon Walters.
Liverpool
The likes of Daniel Agger, Jon Flanagan and Jose Enrique are definitely out of the clash due to injury, while Joe Allen is doubtful and may also miss out. Glen Johnson and Mamadou Sakho have returned to full training and look set to start in defence alongside Martin Skrtel and Aly Cissokho.
Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson will provide the creative spark from midfield while Lucas will provide the shield ahead of the back four.
Daniel Sturridge has returned from injury, but Rodgers may elect not to risk the Englishman from the start, which could mean that Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling will probably start from the wings. Luis Saurez will undoubtedly be leading the line for the Reds.
Probable Lineups
Stoke City: Butland; Pieters, Shawcross, Wilson, Cameron; Arnautovic, Whelan, N’Zonzi, Adam, Walters; Crouch
Liverpool: Mignolet; Cissokho, Skrtel, Sakho, Johnson; Sterling, Henderson, Lucas, Gerrard, Coutinho; Suarez
Form
Stoke City: W L L D W
Liverpool: W L L W W
Last Meeting
17/08/2013 Liverpool 1-0 Stoke City
27/12/2012 Stoke City 3 – 1 Liverpool
Stoke City vs Liverpool Prediction
No team in the Premier League enjoys a visit to the Brittania Stadium, as the Potters do not give anyone an easy ride. Liverpool have struggled in the recent past against Stoke and will certainly have to work hard to claim maximum points from the game.
Stoke City are a hard-working side and will cause Liverpool problems with their physicality. The Potters have to be wary of Luis Suarez though, as the Uruguayan can easily turn the game on its head with a moment of magic.
The match will be a very tight one and it looks like the two sides will be sharing the spoils. Stoke City 1 – 1 Liverpool.
Stoke City vs Liverpool TV Info
The match will be on NBC Sports Network and Mun2 (USA), and Sky Sports 1 (UK).
