STAR PREVIEW: Stoke v Liverpool

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he last time Liverpool visited the Britannia (on the final day of last season) it resulted in utter humiliation for the Merseysiders who were slammed 6-1. A result that was pretty unfathomable given the context of the match and the farewell to Gerard. It was Liverpool’s heaviest defeat in the top flight for 52 years.

It’s pretty hard to say for certain what to expect this afternoon bar that it won’t be an easy ride for Liverpool who look too short at around 5/4.

This has never been an easy hunting ground for Liverpool who have won just two of their last eight games at the Britannia.

Liverpool started last season very poorly and could never recover and a similar lethargic start will see the knifes out for Brendan Rodgers sooner rather than later.

Ahead of the new season Rodgers said: “Our first objective is to arrive in the top four. We’ll look to put up a greater fight than last season. I need to gain the supporters’ trust again. It has been an absolute privilege to manage this club and have the supporters behind us. But of course, you have to do well to earn that, and I know I need to earn that again.”

Stoke manager Mark Hughes said: “We’ve managed to improve in each of the past two years and would love to do that again this time. The aim is to try to get into Europe. I like to set the bar high. Having worked with the new signings I must say that I have been even more surprised by their ability than I thought I would be.”

Stoke will be without captain Ryan Shawcross as he continues to recover from a back injury. Marko Arnautovic and Marc Wilson are also absent through injury.

For Liverpool Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Jon Flanagan are all injured.

Stoke City v Liverpool
Premier League
4pm Sky Sports

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(maximum 10 matches)
May 2015 Premier Stoke 6-1 Liverpool
Nov 2014 Premier Liverpool 1-0 Stoke
Jan 2014 Premier Stoke 3-5 Liverpool
Aug 2013 Premier Liverpool 1-0 Stoke
Dec 2012 Premier Stoke 3-1 Liverpool
Oct 2012 Premier Liverpool 0-0 Stoke
Mar 2012 FA Cup Liverpool 2-1 Stoke
Jan 2012 Premier Liverpool 0-0 Stoke
Oct 2011 Carling Cup Stoke 1-2 Liverpool
Sep 2011 Premier Stoke 1-0 Liverpool

A good result from the Chelsea v Swansea game with the ‘over 2.5 goals’ bet being landed last night. For this match Stoke at 11/5 makes plenty of appeal.

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-50 points)

BACK STOKE for 5 points at 11/5 with Star Sports

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