Stoke v Liverpool – Pre-match Poll

Stoke badly needed something out of their clash with Birmingham on Tuesday, and whilst they may have been fortunate to get something out of the game, Tony Pulis will not feel as if anything his side have gained this week is undeserved after some very poor refereeing decisions in recent games.

Liverpool were reminded of their failings during the draw at Wigan during the week. Whilst it was encouraging for Roy Hodgson to see Fernando Torres scoring in consecutive games, the lack of depth in Liverpool’s squad continues to worry the former Fulham manager, and he will be happy to negotiate the coming weeks before the January transfer window opens and he can get some cover for key positions.

This fixture will be possibly the truest test of Liverpool’s current state, however with Stoke needing to kick on themselves, expect the standard none too subtle approach from the Potters, who will be buoyed by the return of skipper Ryan Shawcross from suspension. This one could be exciting but should be a draw.

Prediction 2-2