Liverpool return to the scene of last season’s final day capitulation in Sunday’s season opener against Stoke City.
Despite a strong record against Stoke, Liverpool were humbled 6-1 by the Potters in Steven Gerrard’s farewell match, leaving the fans feeling hopeless after a dismal display.
It is a new-look Liverpool this time around, however. Gerrard has moved onto LA Galaxy while the likes of Christian Benteke, James Milner, Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino have joined the club.
The home side has made impressive signings of their own and are, on the face of things, impressive. Former Barcelona winger Ibrahim Affelay has joined, so too Marco van Ginkel on loan from Chelsea as well as ex-Red Glen Johnson. This will be Johnson’s first competitive fixture for Stoke, likewise his first meeting with his former club.
Key Battle – Glen Johnson v Roberto Firmino
In order for Stoke City to triumph, Johnson must show Brendan Rodgers he made a mistake in not retaining the England international after 160 Liverpool appearances. If the full-back is distracted by the sentimental occasion, Stoke’s chances of claiming victory will take a hit.
In early June, most Liverpool fans would not have heard of Firmino. The ex-Hoffenheim man possesses plenty of quality, but was not yet a household name while at the German club. His move to Merseyside has changed all that; his next challenge is to prove himself in England.
Team News
Many of Stoke’s fresh faces, including the returning Philipp Wollscheid, are expected to feature. Marko Arnautovic has been under an injury cloud leading into the match but is expected to feature, though he may not see through the full 90 minutes. The Potters will have to make do without skipper Ryan Shawcross, who faces a two-month stint on the sidelines with a back injury.
Stoke City Expected XI (4-5-1): Butland (GK); Johnson, Muniesa, Wilson, Pieters; van Ginkel, Whelan; Arnautovic, Bojan, Affelay; Diouf.
Likewise, the Reds are expected to throw a number of new boys straight into the fray. Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner, Firmino and Benteke are all expected to start, while impressive youngster Joe Gomez is also a chance to line up at left-back.
Liverpool Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Mignolet (GK); Gomez, Sakho, Skrtel, Clyne; Milner, Henderson; Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino; Benteke.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool lead the wins tally in this fixture with 64 compared to just 30 for the Potters. There have been 34 draws between the teams.
Previous Meeting
Stoke City spoiled Gerrard’s farewell in 6-1 rout. It was not the day Liverpool were expecting nor hoping for and the flood gates opened after Mame Biram Diouf scored the opener in the 22nd minute.
Prediction
Despite the Potters easily accounting for Liverpool in their previous encounter, the new season will bring fresh hope and put to bed some Red memories of that day. Indeed, they have too much class and should prevail against a stubborn Stoke.
Stoke City 1 Liverpool 2
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