Stoke vs Liverpool Match Preview

On Boxing Day Liverpool travel to Stoke to for a clash of the eighth in the league versus the ninth.

Despite the closeness of the two teams in the league table, Liverpool has much better odds on winning; bookies have given them odds of 11/8 while the best on Stoke are 36/13.

Stoke’s Charlie Adam may miss the match after he was granted compassionate leave following the death of his father last week.

Ryan Shotton, who returned from suspension in the match against Spurs last week, is expected to start once again.

Overall it is unlikely that Stoke manager, Tony Pulis, will make many changes to the team as he will be hoping to keep their good run of form going.

As a result Peter Crouch will probably have to satisfy himself with a place on the bench while former Liverpool player Michael Owen is likely to be a substitute as he is still working his way back to fitness.

As for Liverpool, Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen are both expected to start after being rested during the match against Fulham. Suso is not expected to play and nor is Jonjo Shelvey. Following his first goal for the team in the match against Fulham, Stewart Downing will be hoping to start once again.