It was a familiar situation yet again for Jurgen Klopp at Anfield as his Liverpool side managed to throw away a one goal lead late in the game against a team in the bottom half of the table, when they drew 2-2 against Bournemouth, to take just one point from the game.
The Reds are in the third place in the points table, two points clear of fourth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand. They cannot drop any more points but face a tricky trip to the Bet365 Stadium this weekend to take on Mark Hughes’ Stoke City side who have always been productive in this fixture. The Potters fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Turf Moor earlier in the week but will hope to put in a better performance against Liverpool at home. Klopp is expected to field a fairly attacking side and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
The Reds will be without their star winger Sadio Name for this trip to Stoke. Skipper Jordan Henderson and midfielder Adam Lallana remain sidelined but striker Daniel Sturridge and defender Joel Matip are both available for selection. Philippe Coutinho was taken off sick against Bournemouth, but should be fine for this tie.
Probable Liverpool Playing XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
GK – Simon Mignolet
The Belgian shot-stopper has been in decent form of late and should keep his place in the side for this tie.
RB – Nathaniel Clyne
The first choice full back for Klopp, Clyne has been solid at the back but Liverpool will hope for more attacking contributions from him for the rest of the season.
CB – Joel Matip
Having come on in the previous game as a substitute, Matip should be fit and ready for this tie against Stoke City.
CB – Dejan Lovren
Two decent games in succession should see Lovren keep his place at the heart of the defense for his side for this weekend.
LB – James Milner
The versatile Englishman will hope to put in a decent performance to help his side to all three points in this game against the Potters.
CDM – Lucas Leiva
The Brazilian has started the last two games in wake of injuries to Jordan Henderson and should keep his place in the side after putting in two brilliant shifts in the middle of the park.
CM – Emre Can
The German has been superb in the past two games for the Reds and he will have to play a huge role if Liverpool are to take all three points from this game.
CM – Georginio Wijnaldum
Had a mixed game where he gave away a goal but picked up an assist against the Cherries but will hope to have a more solid game this weekend.
RW – Roberto Firmino
Though not his favorite position, Firmino should continue to start on the right flank for Liverpool in the absence of Sadio Mane for this tie.
LW – Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian is looking back to his best at the moment and Liverpool will need him to have a good game to get back to winning ways.
ST – Divock Origi
Though Sturridge is back fit, Origi has scored in the last two games and should lead the attack for his side on the night.
This is how they would line up: