Liverpool face a tricky trip away to the Stoke City this weekend. Both sides failed to win their midweek fixtures with the Potters ending up on the losing side against Burnley while Liverpool conceded a late equaliser against Bournemouth. Jürgen Klopp’s men still have a lot of work to do before securing Champions League football for the next season whereas Stoke City are fighting for their manager’s future.
Mark Hughes is under immense pressure after his side have lost their last three league games and have scored just one goal in their last four matches. Liverpool are on a good run since the last month but must pick up points in the absence of many of their first team players. The Potters have always been a strong side at home as Liverpool are expected to toil hard to validate all three points. Here is the predicted Liverpool lineup for their away trip to Stoke.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet looked nervous at times against Bournemouth when in possession but will take up his place in goal against Stoke City.
Defence
Nathaniel Clyne was solid as ever in the last match and will take up the right back spot. James Milner will again keep out Alberto Moreno out of the starting lineup to be deployed as the left back. Joel Matip was not in the playing eleven against the Cherries but will start tomorrow replacing Ragnar Klavan. Dejan Lovren will partner him as the second central defender for the Reds.
Midfield
With Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana still recuperating from their respective injuries, Liverpool are expected to name an unchanged midfield from their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. Lucas Leiva will shield the back line whereas Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can will play on the other side of the Brazilian. Marko Grujic will be on the bench as a cover for the trio.
Attack
The biggest news for tomorrow’s game comes in the form of Philippe Coutinho being doubtful with an illness. This means that Daniel Sturridge will make his much-awaited comeback and will play as the sole striker for the Reds.
Divock Origi, who now has 10 goals this season, will play on the left flank to accommodate Sturridge in the centre forward’s role. Roberto Firmino will occupy the right wing with Ben Woodburn, Alberto Moreno and Trent Alexander-Arnold being the other players on the bench.
It’ll be a close game considering Liverpool won’t be at their full strength and Stoke are finding it hard to hit any sort of form and finish the season on a high.
