Liverpool haven’t enjoyed much of their season, but a positive result from this match with Stoke City could give them one thing to be happy about: a trip to the League Cup final at Wembley. That’s what’s on the line when Liverpool and Stoke meet at Anfield as the League Cup semifinal enters its second leg. It’s time to see who gets to play in front of the huge crowd in England’s biggest stadium.
Liverpool vs. Stoke City 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Capital One Cup online
Liverpool hold a 1-0 lead on aggregate heading into the second leg of their League Cup semifinal.
Clive Mason/Getty Images
The Reds hold a 1-0 lead over Stoke after the first leg, giving them not just the lead but a vital away goal coming into this second match. With Liverpool’s form on an upswing right now, having won two straight matches and only losing one of their last six, Jurgen Klopp and company have to be feeling good about their chances in this game.
Of course, Stoke City want to go to Wembley, too. Mark Hughes would see a trip to the League Cup final as a huge vindication of the work he’s been doing at Stoke over the last couple of years. He’s significantly changed the dynamic and style of the club to quietly turn the Potters into one of the most entertaining teams in England. A shot to show everyone how far they’ve come in the League Cup final would be a huge feather in their cap.
Key player -- Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
In recent Liverpool matches, a lot of their attacking success has depended on one thing: how well Firmino plays. When he’s active, finding space and involved in Liverpool’s buildup play in attack, he plays well and so does Liverpool. When he struggles, they lose a huge weapon as much of how Klopp is deploying his team right now depends on his runs, creativity and ability to make goals out of almost non-existent chances. If Stoke can keep him in check, it’s going to be tough for Liverpool to get the result they want.
Key matchup -- Adam Lallana (Liverpool) vs. Glen Johnson (Stoke City)
Lallana has been one of Liverpool’s better players over the last few weeks, adapting well to Klopp’s high-energy style for his team. Keeping him contained will be heavily up to Johnson, who trained against Lallana when the pair were both at Anfield last season -- though admittedly Johnson’s familiarity with the Reds is somewhat outdated given how differently Liverpool play now compared to when Johnson was there. Still, if he can take Lallana out of their arsenal of weapons, it will make Stoke’s task a fair bit easier in this match.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Divock Origi, Philippe Coutinho, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Sturridge
Stoke City injuries and suspensions
Out: Jonathan Walters, Ryan Shawcross
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Anfield Road, Liverpool, England
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. & Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Connect, Fubo TV (U.S. & Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
See More:
