Liverpool could only manage to share the spoils with Chelsea in their home match at Anfield on Saturday. Klopp’s men took the lead through Mohammad Salah but were pegged back by a freak Willian goal. The result has left the Reds languishing in the 6th place, 14 points off the league leaders Manchester City. The Liverpool manager will now lead his team to Stoke City on Wednesday night in what promises to be an intriguing game of football. The Potters have problems of their own and have struggled this season. Mark Hughes’ men are currently in the 15th place, just three points above the relegation zone.
A victory could provide either side with a platform to kickstart their season. We can expect bags of goal in this game with both sides featuring a questionable defence who are leaking goals in almost every match. The Reds and the Potters have conceded a cumulative tally of 44 goals this season. Recent history suggests that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will once again come on top in this contest. The Merseysiders have managed to win five of their last six matches against Stoke City.
With Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane back in the starting eleven, they will have every chance to outscore the Potters and secure all three points.
4-3-3 Liverpool Predicted Lineup To Face Stoke City
Defence
Jurgen Klopp is expected to once again opt for Simon Mignolet in goal. The Belgian was arguably at fault for Chelsea’s unusual equaliser when he was caught out of position as Willian chipped over the goalkeeper’s head. But the manager might give him the benefit of doubt and start him against Stoke City.
Mignolet may be shielded by a back-four consisting of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back, Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan in central defence and Alberto Moreno at left-back. All four players will be tasked to keep Stoke City’s talisman, Xherdan Shaqiri, quiet after the winger scored a beautiful solo goal on Saturday.
Midfield
Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Phillipe Coutinho are set to occupy the Reds’ midfield at the bet365 stadium. Jurgen Klopp is yet to figure out his strongest midfield with Emre Can, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner also in line for a start. Adam Lallana’s return from injury has added him to the mix as well.
With so many midfield options and only three places up for grabs every match-day, the competition is heating up. The Liverpool manager will be in for a headache every week but at least it’s a positive hindrance.
Attack
Mohammad Salah will start on the right flank and will be hoping to add to his incredible goal-scoring record in this campaign. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are also expected to be brought back into the starting eleven after being rested against Chelsea.
