Liverpool will be keen to get their title
challenge back on track against Stoke after slipping up at Spurs.
The Reds lost their season-opener at White Hart Lane on Sunday
following a below-par showing in the capital.
Liverpool lost just twice last season and can ill-afford to drop
more points with their rivals getting off to winning starts.
However, Stoke were somewhat of a bogey side for Liverpool last
season after drawing both of their league encounters.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez could name an unchanged side for Stoke's
visit to Anfield, although Yossi Benayoun may come in for Ryan
Babel.
Babel was ineffective out wide on the left in Sunday's defeat
and was replaced by the Israel international, who finished last
season in fine form.
Benitez will make a late decision on the fitness at Martin
Skrtel, who clashed heads with team-mate Jamie Carragher on
Sunday.
Skrtel was taken off in discomfort at White Hart Lane and will
be given as much time as possible to play alongside Carragher.
Carragher himself is fit after needing stitches in a head
injury, but his fellow defender Daniel Agger (back) will be out for
a further three weeks.
Fernando Torres will lead the line with Dirk Kuyt and Steven
Gerrard for support. Alberto Aquilani remains on the sidelines.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis could name an unchanged starting XI from
the side who toppled new-boys Burnley in their season-opener.
The Potters proved too strong for The Clarets with a goal from
rising star Ryan Shawcross and a Stephen Jordan own goal setting up
the win.
Stoke went with two up front at the weekend, although James
Beattie is likely to lead a one-man attack with Ricardo Fuller
dropping back or onto the bench.
Thomas Sorensen will keep in place in goal behind Danny
Higginbotham, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross and Andy Wilkinson in
Stoke's backline.
Rory Delap will no doubt use his long-throws to cause
Liverpool's defence problems from set-pieces with Liam Lawrence,
Dean Whitehead and Matthew Etherington completing their midfield
line-up.
Glenn Whelan could be drafted into a five-man midfield if Fuller
is dropped while Dave Kitson will again have to settle for a place
on the bench.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel,
Insua, Lucas, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun, Torres.
Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Ab Faye, Shawcross,
Higginbotham, Delap, Lawrence, Whitehead, Etherington, Beattie,
Fuller.
Liverpool 1/5,
Draw 5/1,
Stoke 16/1
