Premier League preview and odds: Liverpool vs Stoke City

Published on: 05/04/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Liverpool vs Stoke City

April 10 , 2016 16:00pm - Anfield

Premier League

Two teams still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe will face each other this weekend, as ninth-ranked Liverpool take on 10th-ranked Stoke City at Anfield.

Reds out to make games in hand count

Liverpool have two games in hand on Stoke City, and one game in hand on the teams currently occupying the European qualification places. Although a top-five finish now seems like a long shot, the Reds will want to put themselves in a position where they can pounce should their rivals slip up.

In their last game, Jurgen Klopp`s men played their part in one of the most entertaining games of the season so far, when they drew 1-1 with title challengers Tottenham Hotspur. Prior to that, they threw away a 2-0 lead at Southampton to finish on losing end of a 3-2 score-line.

Stoke City aiming high

Mark Hughes is on course to lead Stoke City to their highest league finish since 1975 and their highest ever finish in the Premier League era. However, they may just finish short of European qualification.

The Potters are currently sat in eighth place in the table but have played more games than most of the teams around them with the exception of Southampton. To guarantee a European place they will need to overhaul a six point gap over fifth-ranked Manchester United who have played one game less.

In their last game, the Midland side were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Swansea City. Away from home, they are unbeaten in three, having won at Bournemouth and Watford and drawn at Chelsea.

Team news

Danny Ings and Joe Gomez are the only definite absentees for the home side, although Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino are both doubtful.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Jack Butland, Jon Walters and Marc Wilson, while Xherdan Shaqiri is a doubt.

Recent form (League)

Liverpool: DLWWW

Stoke City: DWLDW

Betting odds and tips

If the Reds can perform as well as they did against Tottenham last week, they should be able to overcome their visitors. However, Klopp`s men have been inconsistent at home and have conceded at least one goal in four of their last five league matches at Anfield.

Back Both Teams to Score at 19/20 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 05/04/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (05/04/2016 19:06:39) but are subject to change.