Liverpool will host Stoke City coming Tuesday in what will be a tough away game for the Potters. The Reds have picked up their form of late having dropped points in two successive games against Bournemouth and West Ham United. Wins against Middlesbrough and Everton came at the right time as the side moved back to second. Stoke, on the other hand, threw away a two-goal lead despite having a man’s advantage against Leicester City and will be the underdogs come Tuesday.
The hosts have a pretty good record against Stoke and are yet to taste defeat at Anfield. The last time these two sides faced off, Liverpool ran out comfortable winners despite making quite a few changes.
Team news
The positive news for Stoke City will be that Ibrahim Afellay was back in action and might get a cameo appearance against Liverpool and maybe start against Chelsea next weekend. Xherdan Shaqiri is likely to return to the starting lineup as well. However, Marko Arnautovic will miss the clash as he’s suspended following his red card against Southampton.
Joel Matip is an injury doubt for Liverpool. The centre-back has been in top form and his services will be missed. However, Ragnar Klavan put in an impressive performance against Everton and he is likely to partner Dejan Lovren at the back. Coutinho is still out and won’t be rushed back into the team when fit. Daniel Sturridge is pushing for a start after his impressive cameo appearance against Everton.
Predicted line-ups
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Milner, Klavan, Lovren, Clyne; Henderson, Can, Lallana; Firmino, Origi, Mane
Stoke City (3-4-2-1): Grant; Johnson, Shawcross, Martins Indi; Diouf, Imbula, Whelan, Pieters; Shaqiri, Allen, Walters
Key Men
Adam Lallana has been on fire for most parts pf the season and after a subdued performance in the Merseyside derby where he played a deeper role, expect him to break the shackles again. Stoke’s three-man defence is there for the taking and Lallana will be licking his lips s there’s a pretty big chance his goals and assists tally might increase.
Joe Allen made the switch from Merseyside to Stoke-on-Trent a few months ago and has been an influential player for the team this season. Stoke will mostly play on the break and Allen’s passing range on the counter will be vital if the Potters are to come away from Anfield with a point or even three.
Odds
Liverpool 3/10
Draw 9/2
Stoke City 9/1
