The battle at the
Britannia Stadium will be between a top club that is out of form and a traditionally weaker club that is making a return to form.
Rafa Benitez's Reds have fallen from yet another competition with the 2-1 loss to Reading on Wednesday. The Spanish manager will really be feeling the pressure now, and it is a wonder that he has not been sacked yet. The Reds' only remaining hopes this year are finishing Top Four in the Premiership and winning silverware in the Europa League. If they are to remain in contention for the European places next season, they will need to get 3 points at the Brittania Stadium.
Maxi Lopez has been linked to a move from Atletico Madrid and will seriously help
Liverpool's chances if the deal goes through. Most importantly,
Fernando Torres and
Steven Gerrard picked up injuries in the Reading clash and are questionable for Saturday's match.
A close 3-2 win over
Fulham FC last weekend placed
Stoke City in the top half of the table with 24 points. Tony Pulis will be happy to play defensively in this match against a Liverpool side in poor form. Tuncay picked up a slight knock in the Fulham match and will be doubtful for this Saturday's home game. This will make room for both
Ricardo Fuller and
James Beattie to possibly return to the lineup. Although they scored three times in the first half against Fulham, don't expect Pulis to attack from the get-go, but to hope for goals from the counterattack and set pieces.
Liverpool are in poor spirits after their latest defeat saw them out of the FA Cup and
Rafa Benitez may be without Torres and Gerrard this weekend. Pulis will play defensively so don't expect too many goals in this match.
Stoke City vs Liverpool F.C.
Saturday January 16, 2009
Kickoff: 13:45 CET
Venue: Brittania Stadium (Stoke-on-Trent)
Tip: Under 2.5 Goals
Best Odds: 1.70 @ Betsson
