Liverpool vs Stoke City – English Premier League – Preview

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Sreya

Liverpool vs Stoke City – Liverpool host Stoke City at the Anfield on Boxing Day as they aim to close the gap on English Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Liverpool are second in league standings with thirty seven points, trailing Antonio Conte’s side by six points. Although losses to AFC Bournemouth and a draw at West Ham pegged back Liverpool’s titular chances, Jurgen Klopp’s men are the favorites among all the other contenders who could pip Chelsea to the league title.

Stoke City, winless in their last three league matches, are eleventh in the English Premier League table with twenty one points. Stoke City were held to a 2-2 draw by Leicester City in their last match.

Team News

Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings are Liverpool’s long-term injury concerns while Marko Grujic is still unfit. Stoke City will be without the suspended Marko Arnautovic and the injured Stephen Ireland, Phil Bardsley, Geoff Cameron and Jack Butland. Ibrahim Afellay has returned to training but is unlikely to feature in the matchday squad until January.

Liverpool Possible Starting Lineup: Simon Mignolet, Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, James Milner, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Sadio Mane, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino.

Stoke City Possible Starting Lineup: Lee Grant, Glen Johnson, Ryan Shawcross, Bruno Martins Indi, Erik Pieters, Giannelli Imbula, Glenn Whelan, Xherdan Shaquiri, Joe Allen, Bojan, Jonathan Walters.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Liverpool vs Stoke City H2H Stats, the last four English Premier League meetings between these two clubs have resulted in three wins and one loss for Liverpool. In fact, Liverpool are undefeated in nine of their last ten matches against Stoke City in all competitions.

Moreover, Liverpool are undefeated in their last 15 home matches in the Premier League, scoring at least two goals in six of the previous seven games. Liverpool are likely to win this game by a scoreline of 2-1.