Liverpool v Stoke preview

Benayoun: Could replace Babel

PREDICTIONS

Skysports.com prediction: 3-0

One to Watch: Fernando Torres

SKY BET odds: Liverpool 1/5, Draw 5/1, Stoke 16/1

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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.

Liverpool news

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 news

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.

Possible starting XIs

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.