Venue: Anfield Kick-Off: 3pm It has not been the greatest of starts for new Liverpool boss Brendan Rogers, yet his faith in youth paid dividends last week in the 5-2 thumping of Norwich that gave them their first league win of the season. However they were brought crashing down to earth on Thursday when they were on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline against a strong Udinese team. Stoke also come off the back of a league victory, after their 2-0 win over Swansea last week that saw them rise up to 12th place thanks to a Peter Crouch double. This is likely to be an interesting clash due to the fact that Liverpool have yet to register a home win this season, and Stoke have yet to get an away win. However, Stoke have failed to score on their four previous visits to Anfield, and in the previous eight meetings between these clubs the away club has not emerged victorious.
Team News
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers changed his team up for the midweek Europa League defeat against Udinese, and the Northern Irish manager is set to recall some key players for the visit of Stoke. One player definitely missing is Jonjo Shelvey, who played on Thursday but is currently serving a domestic ban - he will be joined on the sidelines by Martin Kelly and Lucas Leiva, while their are still doubts over Jose Enrique and Joe Cole. Tony Pulis has less concerns, with Andy Wilkinson serving a three match ban and Sidibe likely to be out with a groin problem.
Likely Line-Ups
Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina; Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Gerrard, Allen, Suso, Sahin; Suarez, Sterling.
Stoke City (4-5-1): Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson; Walters, Whelan, Nzonzi, Adam, Kightly; Crouch.
Referee: Lee Mason
Prediction: 3-0 Brendan Rogers will be praying that he can earn his first home victory and give the fans something to cheer, and with future stars emerging once again at Anfield, the Kop may finally be able to celebrate come 5pm.