The three key battles that will decide Liverpool vs. Stoke
Liverpool’s massive derby victory over Everton has given them renewed hope that they can keep pace in the race for the Premier League title.
Still adrift of Chelsea, they’re at least among the best of the rest and catapulting themselves into second place after Sadio Mane’s late winner last Monday night.
Stoke nearly picked up a win on the last matchday too but were pegged back to a draw by ten-man Leicester from 2-0 up in a frustrating result for Mark Hughes.
The Reds have an excellent home record over Stoke is recent years, winning three of the last four games between the two sides at Anfield. What’s more, Klopp’s side are unbeaten in their last 15 home Premier League games, and that means the Anfield faithful will more than confident heading into the fixture.
Where will the game be won and lost? Who are the key players for each side?
Here are THREE key battles that will decide the outcome of Liverpool vs. Stoke…
Roberto Firmino vs Glen Johnson
Roberto Firmino started the season in fantastic form, but he’s hit a slump in his Liverpool performances despite starting almost every game.
Between September and the start of November, the attacker scored five goals and provided three assists, but he has failed to contribute on either since front the 6-1 win over Watford.
Still, he’ll likely be one of Liverpool’s main attacking outlets at Anfield and it’s up to former Reds man Glen Johnson to keep him at bay. Johnson has helped Hughes’ side to three clean sheets in their last five games, only conceding to Arsenal and last season’s champions Leicester.
Xherdan Shaqiri vs. James Milner
After ropey performances at left-back against Bournemouth and West Ham, James Milner has been much improved in the position in the Reds’ last two fixtures.
He was arguably the best player on the pitch vs. Everton and before that put in an excellent performance away to Middlesbrough.
In contrast, Xherdan Shaqiri has been struggling of late, and was dropped for the recent Leicester game. The Swiss international hasn’t scored since October when a double gave Stoke a 2-0 victory away to Hull.
Still, on his day he’s a quality attacking midfielder and expected to be deployed on the right-hand side, Milner could have a busy afternoon on his hands.
Jordan Henderson vs. Joe Allen
Jordan Henderson has emerged as one of Liverpool’s most vital players. Certainly, there’s been no-one better in the middle of the park, with the skipper excelling defensively, while he’s also been a huge part of Liverpool’s attacking efforts, scoring once and contributing five assists.
In Joe Allen, he’ll meet a former team-mate and Stoke’s most consistent performer this season. Allen returns to Anfield for the first time since leaving the club in the summer and will be looking to impress against his former employers.
Scoring five goals and contributing another two assists, he’s excelled in an attacking role for the Potters. His creativity and passing ability have been giving sides a hellish time all season and that could come back to bite his former side in this match-up.