Liverpool could go top as they face new boys Stoke
September 19, 2008
Fresh from their 2-1 victory over Marseille in midweek (and of course their win by the same scoreline against Manchester United last week) Liverpool go into the weekend against Stoke knowing that a win will see them clear at the top of the Premiership.
Stoke meanwhile are in the bottom three, where many people believed they’d be all season, but that’s despite some encouraging performances. They’ve already beaten Aston Villa at the Britannia, and were unlucky to lose last week to Everton. Playing Liverpool at Anfield however is an entirely different proposition, as both Gerrard and Torres are now back from injury and new signing Robbie Keane will have his sights set on breaking his Liverpool duck against a suspect Stoke defence.
Stoke do have one weapon though that has caused problems for every team they’ve played, the long throw into the box. Everton failed to deal with it last week, and it cost them two goals. Liverpool should be able to cope as Sami Hyypia may be recalled to guard against them.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez stated about the game:
We know that Stoke will be difficult opponents because they have just come into the Premier League and they will be keen to do well, particularly when they come to places like Anfield.
Beating Manchester United last week was a good achievement and it will improve our confidence but now we have to try to beat Stoke.
The last time the two sides met was 8 years ago in an FA Cup tie at the Britannia, when Liverpool beat the Potters 8-0.
Tomorrow is unlikely to see the same result, but if Torres and Keane hit it off, you never know.
Comments
Got something to say?
