Brendan Rodgers heads into the new Premier League season as sack race favorite, and an early slipup at the hands of Stoke City on Sunday would only increase the pressure that weighs on the shoulders of the Liverpool manager. Last season was a pretty poor one for the Merseysiders, who were booted out of the Champions League at the group stage and eventually finished sixth in the Premier League.
Stoke City vs. Liverpool 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Liverpool have the unenviable task of opening their Premier League campaign away at Stoke City on Sunday.
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Things went rather better for Mark Hughes’ Stoke, who finished ninth -- their highest ever finish in the Premier League, and best altogether in 40 years. They’ll be looking for a similarly comfortable placing this time around, buoyed by their business in the transfer market. They’ve lost Asmir Begović and Steven N’Zonzi to Chelsea and Sevilla, respectively, but their impressive scouts have brought in talents from across Europe. The evolution of their playing style should continue apace.
Upset potential
Under Mark Hughes, Stoke’s style has been gradually transformed from the blunt force of Pulisball to a prettier game. But most impressive is that the Welshman has achieved such a transition without losing much of their characteristic defensive security. The added variation in their play means they have become even tougher to beat than they once were, and the Britannia Stadium should be as difficult a place to go as ever this season. An upset wouldn’t be too upsetting at all.
New player to watch -- Christian Benteke (Liverpool)
Liverpool have been pretty busy in the transfer market, but their most expensive acquisition has been former Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke. With Rodgers having proven incapable of managing Mario Balotelli, Raheem Sterling being sold to Manchester City and Daniel Sturridge turning out to be a crock, Liverpool are short on attacking options. They'll be desperate for Benteke to show that he really is worth in excess of £30 million.
Stoke City team injuries and suspensions
Out: Ryan Shawcross (back), Bojan (knee). In doubt: Marko Arnautović, Marc Wilson (knock).
Liverpool team injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Sturridge (hip), Jon Flanagan (knee). In doubt: Joe Allen (hamstring).
Stoke will miss the commanding presence of captain Ryan Shawcross in defense, as well as the creative spark offered by former Barcelona man Bojan. However, Marko Arnautović and Marc Wilson should both return from preseason knocks to play. Liverpool will be without Sturridge and fullback Jon Flanagan, while Joe Allen is in doubt.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 11 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Britannia Stadium, Stoke, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. -- English), Telemundo (U.S. -- Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. -- English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra (U.S. -- Spanish), Sportsnet World Online (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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