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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
LIVERPOOL  ReinaJohnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique Downing, Adam, Spearing, Maxi GerrardCarroll | STOKE CITY  SorensonWoodgate, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson Shotton, Palacios, Whelan, Etherington WaltersCrouch |
Liverpool have just one new injury worry ahead of their clash with Stoke, after midfielder Jay Spearing limped off with a tight hamstring in Wednesday's League Cup clash with Manchester City.
Manager Kenny Dalglish was quick to assure fans that the youngster felt tightness in his hamstring, rather than a pull, meaning he could well return for this fixture.
However, fellow midfielder Jordan Henderson may well miss out, with this game coming so soon after an impressive, energy-sapping, performance against City.
Forward Craig Bellamy is also unlikely to start as he is often rested for multiple games over short periods due to long-term knee issues. This could mean a return for Argentine Maxi Rodriguez, who has a fine goalscoring record for the Reds in recent times.
For the visitors, a familiar, and equally formidable, back four is likely to face the Anfield barrage.
Boyhood Evertonian Jon Walters could form part of the Potters' attack, despite featuring in last weekend's FA Cup win at Gillingham, and should partner former Red Peter Crouch.
Ryan Shotton is expected to feature on the right hand side of midfield, in order to provide further defensive cover with winger Matthew Etherington bombing forward on the other side.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
This game marks the 113th league meeting between these two sides.
- They have played each other twice already this season with Liverpool triumphing in the League Cup and the Potters in the league.
- Saturday's game will be Kenny Dalglish's (pictured right) 50th in charge of the Reds since his return as boss and his 348th overall.
- Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez made his Liverpool debut in this fixture last season, coming on to score, but will not feature here as he continues his eight-match ban for racial abuse.
- Stoke forward Peter Crouch could face his former club for the ninth time since leaving but has yet to score against them.
- Stoke have scored just eight goals away from home so far this season. Only Fulham have a worse record having netted just six times on their travels.
- Equally worrying for the Potters is the fact that Liverpool have conceded just eight times at home in the league, a statistic bettered only by Arsenal and Manchester City.
Prediction
Stoke possess all the ingredients to unsettle a Liverpool side that has struggled to break teams down at Anfield this season.
Their physicality and threat from set-pieces in particular could cause the Reds trouble and, though the hosts are likely to net given the attacking boost of Gerrard, they could well suffer a familiar fate here.
If Stoke can marshal Gerrard and ensure Andy Carroll's woes continue, they will go a long way to securing a valuable point.
Their physicality and threat from set-pieces in particular could cause the Reds trouble and, though the hosts are likely to net given the attacking boost of Gerrard, they could well suffer a familiar fate here.
If Stoke can marshal Gerrard and ensure Andy Carroll's woes continue, they will go a long way to securing a valuable point.
Editor's Prediction
Liverpool 1-1 Stoke City 
