Stoke City v Liverpool: Team News, Stats and Betting Odds

Premier League
Sunday 12 January 2014 - 4:10 pm
Britannia Stadium
Stoke City3
5Liverpool
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4'own goal ⚽️
32'Suarez ⚽️
51'Gerrard ⚽️
71'Suarez ⚽️
87'Sturridge ⚽️
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Liverpool will be looking to consolidate their position in the top four as they travel to mid-table Stoke in search of LFC's first double of the season.

Stoke City v Liverpool FC

The reds opened the season against Stoke City at Anfield and won 1-0 to start the campaign in perfect fashion.  On that day Sturridge provided the goal and Mignolet was the hero with a last minute penalty save on his Liverpool debut.

Stoke will be looking to protect their impressive home record - draws against Man City and Everton and a victory over title chasing Chelsea.

Team News

Daniel Agger is ruled out for a month with a calf injury sustained during the FA Cup victory over Oldham last weekend.

Jon Flanagan, Joe Allen and Jose Enrique are all still missing with injuries, although all three players are expected to be available for selection by the end of the month.

Better news is that both Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge are closing in on returns to the Liverpool team.

No decision has yet been taken on whether Sturridge will make the team but Rodgers said this about the reds striker

"This week has been about looking to improve his football fitness.

"He has been working outside for a couple of weeks so his physical fitness is at a good level. Having someone of that quality and stature back on the training field has given everyone a lift.

"He has looked good over the past few days. He's obviously not 100 per cent yet but to have that quality back out on the field certainly makes us better."

Oussama Assaidi is currently enjoying a fine spell at Stoke City where he is on loan from Liverpool.  He is ineligible to play for Stoke in this match under the terms of the loan deal.

The reds could lock horns with a number of former players.  Peter Crouch, Charlie Adam and Jermaine Pennant all play for Mark Hughes's side.

LFC v Stoke Stats

Liverpool have not won a league game at Stoke for 30 years.  Admittedly there have only been 5 games in that time - with the reds losing three of them.

Last season Stoke demolished the reds 3-1 in one of the most disappointing games of Liverpool's season.

Liverpool's last win at the Britannia was 2 and a half years ago - a 2-1 win in the League Cup.

The most recent game between the clubs saw LFC win 1-0 on the opening day of this season at Anfield.

Betting

Liverpool are 4/6 for the win.  3/1 for the draw whilst Stoke can be bought at an over-the-top 5/1.

Coutinho and Sterling both look decent value for first scorer at 7/1.

Despite Liverpool's favourable odds, the shortest odd on a match score is 1-1 - at 7/1.  If you fancy a nil-niler then you can get 12/1.  Liverpool wins at 3-2 and 4-1 are both 25/1. - combine this with a Suarez first goalscorer for 50+/1.

Prediction

Stoke has not been the most pleasant of places for Liverpool to visit in recent times, although even allowing our head to overrule our heart we think LFC will just edge the result in a tough game. 2-1 to Liverpool.

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