Venue: Britannia Stadium Saturday, January 16th 2010 Kick-Off:12:45 Subscribe to Sky Now

Stoke play host to Liverpool later today in this Premiership fixture, which can be seen Live on Sky Sports with a 12:45pm Kick Off Time.

Stoke had a great result last time out, when beating an in form Fulham side 3-2 and will certainly fancy their chances again today against a weakened looking Liverpool side. This fixture last season ended in a 0-0 draw, but its difficult to see that scoreline repeating itself again today due to the recent form of both sides defensively.

Liverpool were dumped out of the FA Cup midweek against Reading and as a result, Manager Rafa Benitez has came under attack from both the media and the fans, another defeat today would end any real hope Liverpool have of making a top 4 finish and Champions League football next year.

Stoke City Team News

Tuncay Sanli looks a major doubt for Manager, Tony Pulis having had to leave the game against Fulham after 41mins with a hamstring pull. Thomas Sorensen is also out as he recovers from a thumb injury.

Liverpool Team News

No Torres, No Gerrard, No Benayoun. Rafa has it all to do today in picking a starting lineup that can operate without the key midfielders and attacker and it will be interesting to see who he opts to start with. Glen Johnson is also out and doesn't look like returning for some time yet as he recovers from knee ligament injury. However its not all doom and gloom for Liverpool, Javier Mascherano is back in the starting lineup today having served his suspension and new signing Maxi Rodriguez looks likely to be handed his debut.

Summary

Ive came unstuck a few times already this season when going for Liverpool to win games and they have failed, even though I think they will just edge this one today I will play it safe and take Liverpool to score the 1st goal in the game at odds of 1.80 with Bet365.

Dave's Prediction:

Stoke 0-2 Liverpool @ 10.50 with Betfair