Here is how Stoke City and Liverpool will line-up for this afternoon’s match at the Britannia Stadium:
Stoke City starting XI: Butland, Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters, Walters, Nzonzi, Adam, Whelan, Arnautovic, Crouch
Subs: Sorensen, Muniesa, Pennant, Palacios, Etherington, Shotton, Ireland
Liverpool starting XI: Mignolet, Johnson, Cissokho, Toure, Skrtel, Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Sterling, Coutinho, Suarez
Subs: Ward, Kelly, Ibe, Aspas, Moses, Sturridge, Alberto
From top to sixth in a matter of weeks, Liverpool know a victory today against Stoke City is vital. A win for Brendan Rodgers’ side will see them climb back into the top four and keep in touch with a trio showing signs of breaking clear.
One of Stoke’s stars of the campaign so far, Oussama Assaidi, is ineligible to play against his parent-club, while Jack Butland gets a chance in goal due to injuries to Asmir Begovic and Thomas Sorensen.
This is a reverse of the opening game of the season, when Simon Mignolet announced himself to the Kop in spectacular style, saving a late penalty to ensure all three points. But today’s match is a very different prospect, with the Reds having not won a league match away to Stoke since 1984.
The fact that the Potters are unbeaten in their last seven home league matches also suggests it will be a tough afternoon for the visitors.
What do you think the result will be this afternoon?
image: © ronnie macdonald
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