Liverpool Team News: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Stoke

Melissa Reddy

Liverpool Team News: Injuries, suspensions and line-up vs Stoke image

Liverpool will travel to Stoke with the intention of closing the week with a victory after surrendering leads in their previous two fixtures over the past seven days. 

Draws away to Sevilla and at home to Chelsea - usually creditable results - were doused with disappointment after Jurgen Klopp's side took control in both fixtures before having to settle for a share in the points.

Liverpool 7/1 to beat Stoke 2-0

"We dominated Chelsea," the Reds boss said. "They came here, gave us the ball and said 'come on, try something'. We did it, but in the end you want to win.

"I still feel we are on a good way, that's what you have to show again and again and again and again."


LIVERPOOL INJURIES


Centre-back Dejan Lovren could feature on Saturday, while midfielder Emre Can will be in contention to start.

The duo both sat out the draw with Chelsea at Anfield due to minor problems.

Emre Can Liverpool

“Dejan probably will be close. It is not a big thing; it’s a little bit of little bit of swelling and we have to figure out what it is exactly," Klopp said.

"He will try to run in a few minutes, I spoke to him a second ago.

“Emre is back, it was not a big thing but it was big enough that he could not play the last game. He is back and it is a full squad, for sure.”


LIVERPOOL SUSPENSIONS


Neither club have any suspension concerns, but former Reds midfielder Joe Allen is one caution away from a ban for the totting up of yellow cards.


LIVERPOOL POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP


Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino should start after being rested against the champions and with Klopp mulling over freshness as well as rhythm, there is likely to be other alterations.

Adam Lallana was involved for the first time this season on Saturday, but may need to be eased back in before earning a spot in the XI.

Can will fancy lining up in midfield, with Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho potentially being kept in reserve.

Andy Robertson will be hoping for a rare outing given Alberto Moreno has already played twice this week. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold should also swap in at right-back for Joe Gomez. If Lovren is fit enough to start, he could displace Ragnar Klavan to partner Joel Matip at the heart of defence.

Possible Liverpool XI v Stoke

“It was a very important sign for the squad and from my side that I show the faith in all of the boys," Klopp said on his decision to rotate against Antonio Conte's men.

"It was very important for me that the boys showed me they are 100 per cent ready, so that was good – really good. Probably we will make one or two changes from the last game to the next game, then maybe not for the next game - we will see how we deal with that.

“It all depends on the impression I can get during the games and during the session, then we make decisions.”


STOKE TEAM NEWS


Stoke have lost seven of their last eight games against Liverpool in the Premier League and are yet to win in the league this month.

They suffered a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last time out following back-to-back 2-2 draws with Brighton and Leicester.

Mark Hughes will consider shaking up his selection against the visitors, whom he plans to "nullify."

“We will certainly contemplate changes because we are facing tough weeks leading into Christmas now, so most clubs will try and use their resources, just as we will," he said.

“We are playing against a high-quality team, who will test us, but I fully expect us to give a real good account of ourselves.

"We are facing a player in Mohamed Salah who is clearly in the best form of his Liverpool career. We can't be overly concerned with one player though because they have match winners all over the pitch.

Mark Hughes

"We need to nullify them on Wednesday."

Geoff Cameron won't be involved for the hosts, but Hughes has few other concerns.

"We've had everyone in for training and there doesn't seem to be any doubts from the weekend," the manager said. 

"There's a few bumps and bruises but we'll have a clearer idea tomorrow. Ramadan [Sobhi] is fine.

"We didn't know how long Mame Diouf would last on Saturday and needed cover on the bench which is why Saido Berahino missed out. He's in my thoughts for Wednesday."


BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS


  • Liverpool’s 23-point tally this season is seven points lower than they had after 13 games in 2016-17 (30).

  • Mark Hughes has lost 11 of his last 16 Premier League meetings with Liverpool.

  • Xherdan Shaqiri has had a hand in six goals in his last six Premier League games for Stoke City (two goals, four assists).


TV COVERAGE & KICK-OFF TIME


Kick off is at 20:00 BST and the match won't be televised live in the UK.

Melissa Reddy

Melissa Reddy Photo