Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez paid tribute to much-criticised Premier League new-boys Stoke but warned: "We have the best midfield player in the world."
Benitez's unbeaten Reds face Tony Pulis' promoted Potters at Anfield intent on strengthening their position in the Barclays Premier League table, ahead of the clash between rivals Chelsea and Manchester United 24 hours later.
But Stoke have already embarrassed several of their new top-flight colleagues, and Benitez insists they will have to be on their guard against Rory Delap's massive long throws.
But with skipper Steven Gerrard needing one goal to reach a club century, Benitez has faith in the player he believes is the world's best to lead Liverpool to victory.
He said: "Steven has quality, he's a fantastic player and 99 goals is amazing for a midfielder.
"But he can score more. But once he has scored his 100th, then we will give him the objective of maybe 150.
"He scores great goals that few other players can manage. We are lucky to have the best midfielder in the world."
Coming straight after victories over champions Manchester United and then in Europe against Marseille, he said: "It is not easy to win every game. We know Stoke are tough, disciplined and well organised. They are very strong and play direct football.
"But I have been really impressed with their set-pieces, not just the long throws but also their corners and free-kicks and it shows that their manager has done a very good job.
"The key is not to give them too many opportunities for long throws close to our area.
It will be difficult, but there are a lot of teams who use long throws, so we have to be aware and be ready for what happens."
Liverpool have won their last 12 league meetings with Stoke at Anfield, the Potters last success there being in 1959.
Benitez's unbeaten Reds face Tony Pulis' promoted Potters at Anfield intent on strengthening their position in the Barclays Premier League table, ahead of the clash between rivals Chelsea and Manchester United 24 hours later.
But Stoke have already embarrassed several of their new top-flight colleagues, and Benitez insists they will have to be on their guard against Rory Delap's massive long throws.
But with skipper Steven Gerrard needing one goal to reach a club century, Benitez has faith in the player he believes is the world's best to lead Liverpool to victory.
He said: "Steven has quality, he's a fantastic player and 99 goals is amazing for a midfielder.
"But he can score more. But once he has scored his 100th, then we will give him the objective of maybe 150.
"He scores great goals that few other players can manage. We are lucky to have the best midfielder in the world."
Coming straight after victories over champions Manchester United and then in Europe against Marseille, he said: "It is not easy to win every game. We know Stoke are tough, disciplined and well organised. They are very strong and play direct football.
"But I have been really impressed with their set-pieces, not just the long throws but also their corners and free-kicks and it shows that their manager has done a very good job.
"The key is not to give them too many opportunities for long throws close to our area.
It will be difficult, but there are a lot of teams who use long throws, so we have to be aware and be ready for what happens."
Liverpool have won their last 12 league meetings with Stoke at Anfield, the Potters last success there being in 1959.
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