Saturday, January 14, 2012

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Stoke

Liverpool turn their attentions back to the Premier League this weekend when they welcome Stoke to Anfield after two games in the FA Cup and Carling Cup.

The Reds go into the clash boosted by the news that skipper Steven Gerrard has signed a new long-term deal which is likely to see him end his playing career at Anfield.

Liverpool, who sit in sixth spot in the table, know there is no room for error as they look to maintain their push to finish in the top four with Chelsea currently three points clear of them in fourth place.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is likely to stick to his strongest possible line-up after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Carling Cup in midweek.

Jay Spearing is set to miss out after picking up a hamstring problem against City so Charlie Adam is likely to start in midfield after coming off the bench at the Etihad Stadium.

Jose Enrique is expected to return to the starting XI after starting the game in midweek on the bench, meaning Glen Johnson will revert to his normal right-back spot with Martin Kelly making way.

Luis Suarez remains absent for the home side as he serves the fourth match of his eight-game suspension, so Andy Carroll will get another chance to impress.

Stoke are looking to complete the double over Liverpool after recording a 1-0 win over the Reds at the Britannia Stadium earlier in the season.

Potters boss Tony Pulis has a number of defensive worries to contend with before finalising his side.

Jonathan Woodgate, Marc Wilson and Ryan Shotton all face late fitness tests as they look to shake off slight knocks.

Full-back Andy Wilkinson could return at the back having overcome his recent knee injury.

The likes of Thomas Sorensen, Matthew Etherington and Peter Crouch are set to be restored to the team after they were rested for last weekend's FA Cup victory at Gillingham.

Possible starting XIs:

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Adam, Gerrard, Downing, Henderson, Bellamy, Carroll.

Stoke: Sorensen, Shotton, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Pennant, Delap, Palacios, Etherington, Walters, Crouch.

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