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Liverpool vs Stoke preview

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Well, this is what the Premier League is all about, so we might as well enjoy it.

Stoke City make the short trip north to one of the great homes of football – Anfield – to face the formidable might of the likes of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

The Potters can go in fine spirits. Although recent results have not gone our way, there’s no doubt that the Potters battling sprit have won support from many neutrals and pleased fans. But this is not a game where the neutral will be putting any money on an away win which means all the team have to do is go out and do their best and, who knows, we may even come away with at least a point.

Liverpool will be brimming with confidence after overcoming the auld Lancastrian enemy last weekend and a Champions League win in midweek. Are these the ideal conditions where an underdog could come in and steal the show?

Vital Quotes:

Certainly Rafa Benitez is trying to ensure that his team are prepared: ‘They play with a different style to United and they cause different kinds of problems but we must treat them with the same respect.’

Liverpool Team News:

Stoke’s recent transfer target, Sami Hyypia could be wheeled in assist in defence and Fabio Aurelio hopes to recover from a calf injury in time to play and striker Robbie Keane may be recalled to partner Fernando Torres

Player to watch: Steven Gerrard

It’s quicker to decide ‘who don’t you need to watch’ as the Reds overflow with talent. But Gerrard has proved time and time again that he can score a stunner from nowhere, which he demonstrated with a great goal in the midweek win over Marseille

Stoke City Team News:

Stoke will be missing Amdy Faye after his red at Middlesborough and three match suspension. Andrew Davies is still waiting for his debut as he fights back to full fitness. Rumour has it that Glenn Whelan might be given a run after impressing in the recent Irish internationals.

Player to watch: Abdoulaye Faye

The former Magpie has impressed many since joining the Potters at the start of the season and may slip back to defence as Stoke look to man the barricades

Match Facts & Stats

It’s just a fraction under 14 years since the Potters had due cause to visit Anfield, that time it was the home side that ran out 2-1 victors.

Ref Watch:

Howard Webb

Next Fixtures:

Saturday 27th September: Chelsea (home) kick-off: 3pm
Sunday 5th October: Portsmouth (away) kick-off 3pm
Sunday 19th October: Tottenham (home) kick-off: 4pm – SKY TV

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