Liverpool will take on Stoke City this coming Tuesday in what should be a straight-forward game for the hosts. But considering Liverpool are never far off from self-sabotage, Stoke will fancy their chances.
Stoke cannot be underestimated even though Liverpool have never been beaten at home. Stoke played some scintillating football in the first half against Leicester City but somehow bottled it in the last 30 minutes as Leicester came back to score two goals despite being a man down. If they play the same way against Liverpool, they could get swamped at Anfield.
Klopp’s side have scored the most number of goals in the league this season and stopping them will be a tough task. Here are three key battles that could decide the outcome of the game.
Jordan Henderson Vs Joe Allen
Teammates a few months ago, Henderson and Allen will go at it hammer and tongs to pull the strings for their respective sides. While Henderson has been the creator from deep for the reds this season, Allen has been used in an attacking role by Mark +Hughes and he has thrived in the setup. Stoke’s game plan will be hit Liverpool on the counter and Allen will play a key role in that setup.
A defensive minded midfielder, along with a, left back, was the talk of the summer transfer window at Liverpool. While Milner has done well at left-back, Henderson has been solid at the centre and has applied his defensive abilities well after that defeat to Burnley on matchday two. He’ll have to be wary of Allen’s threat and cut the supply to the likes of Shaqiri and Bojan (if he starts).
