Stoke City

Stoke City vs Liverpool Preview: Team News, Key Battles, Classic Encounters and More

?Liverpool will look to put the disappointing draw at the hands to Bournemouth on Wednesday to the side as the prepare to travel to Stoke in Saturday’s game.

Stoke City have been struggling of late having not picked up a win in a month of football having being beaten by Burnley 1-0 in Tuesday’s Premier League game.

On home Turf, however, they have lost just one of their last nine, that coming in a 2-1 defeat to league leaders Chelsea last month.

Liverpool v Stoke City - Premier League

The Merseyside club can consider their season run-in of games are easier than their rivals, however the lack of ability to take three points away from the ‘lower’ end teams could determine if they can qualify for Champions League football next season.

Classic Encounter

It’s been an awfully long time since Stoke City demolished Liverpool 6-1 at the end of the 2014/15 season. All of the Stoke City’s attacking players got in involved with the goals and assists that day where Mame Diouf ran riot, scoring twice and claiming an assist.

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Then Liverpool Manager Brendan Rogers couldn’t believe what he was witnessing when the Potters went in at half-time 4-0 up. Two goals from Diouf and one each from Jon Walters, Charlie Adam and Steven N’Zonzi and a late strike from Peter Crouch made sure Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard didn’t end his career with a smile.

Key battles

Coutinho vs Glen Johnson

Stoke City v Liverpool - Premier League

Coutinho finally showed us what the little magician was capable of as he blew away Everton in the recent 3-1 win over their city rivals.

Former Liverpool star Glen Johnson doesn’t have the legs on him like he used to, with the ex-England international preferring to get himself into forward positions. His poor defensive positions have found him wanting many times before and it was one of the main reason Liverpool decided to move him on.

Coutinho will be licking his lips at the fragility of his former teammate as he looks to cause trouble against the ageing side and if the Coutinho that turned up against Everton a week ago turns up on Saturday; expect goals.

He does, however, need to recover from illness first.

Marko Arnautovic vs James Milner

Stoke City v Liverpool - Capital One Cup Semi Final: First Leg

Austrian superstar Arnautovic has been a stand-out performer for the Potters ever since he signed for the club back in 2013 from German side Werder Bremen and the right winger’s high work rate will be a problem for Liverpool throughout the game. 

The former Inter Milan star will look to find James Milner out of position as the former Manchester City man likes to venture forward. Vice-captain Milner will need to be at the top of his game to keep the influential wide man quiet as Stoke City will look to exploit the flanks.

Team News

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Ramadan Sobhi was an unused sub in the 1-0 loss at Burnley and is a doubt, but should be fine to feature here.

Glen Johnson too should return to the starting XI, though Mark Hughes is sweating on the fitness of Xherdan Shaqiri and Jonathan Walters. Jack Butland and Stephen Ireland are both ruled out, however.

Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League

Joel Matip started the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on the bench, but should return to the starting XI in place of Ragnar Klavan.

Daniel Sturridge was an unused sub in the game and could again miss out, with Divock Origi impressing from the off. Danny Ings, Ovie Ejaria, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane are all sidelined, while Coutinho is a doubt through illness.

Predicted Lineups

Stoke City v Middlesbrough - Premier League

Stoke City: (4-2-3-1) Grant; Johnson, Shawcross, Indi, Pieters; Cameron, Adam; Arnautovic, Allan, Sobhi; Berihino

Liverpool: (4-3-3) Mignolet; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner;Wijinadlum, Lucas, Can; Firmino, Origi, Coutinho

Prediction

A 1-0 loss at Burnley means Stoke have now won just one of their last six Premier League outings. On home turf, however, they have lost just one of their last nine, that coming in a 2-1 defeat to league leaders Chelsea last month.

Liverpool stuttered to a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Wednesday night, hindering their pursuit for a top-4 finish. They struggle without Sadio Mane in the side, but have won three of the last four visits to the Potters.

At the Bet365 Stadium, Stoke have the means to hold Liverpool, with a draw in the offing.

Stoke City 2-2 Liverpool