The new Premier League season is nearly upon us and Liverpool face Stoke City at Anfield on Saturday, 12:45pm kick off, live on BT Sport. Games against The Potters have been very difficult ever since they gained promotion to the top flight in 2008, we have struggled to deal with their combative style and they have been like a throwback to the 1980’s Crazy Gang of Wimbledon, under the guidance of the now departed Tony Pulis. Last season we failed to beat them, drawing the fixture at Anfield in October 0-0, which was an awful game, we then took an early lead at the Britannia Stadium, through a Steven Gerrard penalty on Boxing Day, only to capitulate and lose 3-1 in one of our worst performances of last season. Although they still have similar playing personnel in their ranks with the likes of Robert Huth, Ryan Shawcross, Steven Nzonzi, Andy Wilkinson, Glenn Whelan and Charlie Adam to name a few, they now have a new manager in the form of Mark Hughes and I don’t recall in any of his previous jobs as manager of Fulham, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers, him having his sides playing in such an aggressive manner, so maybe he’ll attempt to have them playing a bit more football under his regime, but its likely that will take some time to be implemented.
Liverpool have 4 new players who could make their Premier League debuts for the club, goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has had good experience in this league with Sunderland the past few seasons and has looked very assured in pre season, conceding only 1 goal in 7 games, contributing to 5 clean sheets in the process. Veteran defender Kolo Toure has won league titles with Arsenal and Manchester City, so will hopefully add a bit of much needed experience to the side after the retirement of Jamie Carragher, he too has looked quite impressive in pre-season and could be a good addition on a Free transfer. Then we have the two Spaniards, Iago Aspas the forward signed from Celta Vigo, who is more likely to start than his compatriot Luis Alberto. Aspas is a busy player and has scored a few goals in pre-season, seems to have a few tricks as well, so it will be interesting to see how he integrates into the side. Luis Alberto looks like he has plenty of quality about him, good composure on the ball, an eye for a pass and can also score goals, but I would imagine he is more likely to be on the bench and could come on late in the game.
I think Brendan Rodgers will go with a 4-2-3-1 system against Stoke and start with Daniel Sturridge, who recently returned from injury, playing a half against Celtic in the friendly in Dublin last weekend and then a full game against Newcastle on Tuesday (behind closed doors) where he scored 2 goals as well. I don’t see any other option but to begin with him and hope he can play at least an hour. I know a more competitive game will be more testing for his fitness than what he’s just played through, but if he doesn’t start the game I’d say we would be a little weak upfront. I feel that Rodgers will go with Philippe Coutinho and Iago Aspas either side of Sturridge, with Joe Allen just ahead of Steven Gerrard and Lucas in the midfield. It’s not ideal having Allen playing that role and I would much prefer Jordan Henderson there if I’m honest, but looking at how we’ve lined up in pre-season, it seems like Allen will get the starting berth. The back line should consist of Glen Johnson, Kolo Toure, Daniel Agger and Jose Enrique with Simon Mignolet in goal. The bench will have many youngsters on it again, similar to last season. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Jordon Ibe and Andre Wisdom will be in contention, along with Luis Alberto, Fabio Borini and Martin Kelly.
I am going to predict a 2-0 hard fought Liverpool victory against Stoke, with goals coming from Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho. Below are my 5 best bets for the game, good luck to all that decide to have a little wager on it.
- Liverpool to win to Nil – To place the bet click HERE
- Liverpool to win 2-0 – To place the bet click HERE
- Daniel Sturridge 1st goalscorer (If he starts) – To place the bet click HERE
- Charlie Adam to be booked anytime (If he starts) – To place the bet click HERE
- Liverpool -1 goals on the Handicap – To place the bet click HERE
