Liverpool's season so far has been nothing short of disastrous, and three consecutive Premier League defeats has increased the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers yet further. They need to get back to winning ways at home to Stoke City this weekend, or serious consequences could follow. However, unfortunately for the Reds, Stoke shouldn't be an easy opponent.
Liverpool vs. Stoke City live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Stoke City will be hoping they can add to Liverpool’s misery at Anfield on Saturday.
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Heading into the round, Mark Hughes' Potters are actually a point above Liverpool in the table, having won four of their opening 12 games of the season. They've already recorded impressive away wins at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, and have every reason to feel confident of conquering Anfield, too. As it stands, it's looking like they're going to once again defy preseason predictions of a difficult campaign.
Key player - Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
Picking Liverpool’s goalkeeper as the key player may seem like an odd choice, but his recent performances for the Reds have been pretty unimpressive to say the least. Even Liverpool goalkeeping legend Bruce Grobbelaar has been criticising Mignolet. The Belgian shot-stopper have to be on better form in this match, or Liverpool could well find themselves dropping yet more points.
Key matchup - Raheem Sterling vs. Steven N'Zonzi
In the absence of Daniel Sturridge (and the absence Mario Balotelli's good form), Liverpool's only real attacking spark is Raheem Sterling. The lively attacker buzzes around the final third threateningly, and is a nightmare for defenders in one-on-ones. In this match, the onus will be on Stoke's midfield anchorman Steven N'Zonzi to afford his centre-backs some protection.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Jon Flanagan (knee), Daniel Sturridge (calf). In doubt: Mamadou Sakho (thigh), Suso (groin), José Enrique (knee), Mario Balotelli (groin).
Stoke City injuries and suspensions
Out: Peter Odemwingie (knee), Glenn Whelan (leg fracture), Robert Huth (calf), Victor Moses (thigh), Oussama Assaidi (ineligible). In doubt: Erik Pieters (calf), Marc Wilson (hamstring).
Liverpool will still be without long-term injured duo Jon Flanagan and Daniel Sturridge, though defenders Mamadou Sakho and José Enrique, midfielder Suso and attacker Mario Balotelli could all return from injuries in time to be involved. Stoke have a fairly long injury list of their own, with former Liverpool man Victor Moses among those sidelined. Oussama Assaidi is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: Premier League Extra Time, Directv (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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