Prediction: Liverpool vs Stoke

17th March 2012

Liverpool are hoping to build on the impressive Merseyside derby victory over Everton and edge closer to winning their second trophy of the season. Last year’s finalists Stoke, on the other ahdn, aim to end 53-year winless run at Anfield or at least avoid defeat and earn the chance to beat Liverpool at their Britannia.

There are no doubts that Kenny Dalglish’s side have done a lot of good things this season, but the Reds have yet to show they can perform at a high level throughout the season. Liverpool won their first trophy in six years as they beat Cardiff City in the Carling Cup final, but have since lost to Arsenal and Sunderland in the Premiership, this virtually putting an end to their top 4 challenge. The Reds then rose from the ashes to record a 3-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby and that win should give the team a much needed boost before the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Stoke. The two teams met at Anfield at the beginning of the year, with the game ending goalless, and I believe we can expect another tight clash with chances few and far between. The hosts should have Craig Bellamy back to the side after he missed the Everton game, but Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger are not yet ready to return.

Stoke have long ago established themselves as genuine mid table sides and the club have come a long way since Tony Pulis was appointed manager in June 2006. The Potters achieved European qualification thanks to their run to the FA Cup final last term, and they largely impressed in Europa League, that is until they were eliminated by Valencia. It appears that the European campaign took the wind out of their sails, which is the main reason why Stoke haven’t really impressed in the Premiership, although the fact that they are one point behind eight-placed Sunderland would suggest otherwise. The Potters enter this game high on confidence, even if their two-match winning run came to an end at Stamford Bridge, but the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea proved that Stoke are still a tough nut to crack, especially when we know that they played more than an hour with ten men on the pitch. Therefore, Liverpool could find it hard to break Tony Pulis’ side. Ricardo Fuller is suspended, while Thomas Sorensen is expected to start between the sticks.

Conclusion

Liverpool are not exactly on top of their game at the moment and after failing to score against Stoke earlier in the season, the Reds may struggle to break the Potters this time as well. Tony Pulis’ side are real masters when it comes to defending their own goal and under 2.5 goals looks like a banker here.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: Sportingbet