Stoke v Liverpool preview

Pulis: Eager to frustrate Liverpool

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Skysports.com prediction: 0-2

SKY BET odds: Stoke 8/1, Draw 10/3, Liverpool 2/5

One to Watch: Fernando Torres

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Liverpool travel to Stoke City on Saturday intent on revenge as they continue their pursuit of Premier League glory.

Tony Pulis' Stoke visited Anfield in September and held their frustrated hosts to a goalless stalemate, which raised doubts about Liverpool's title credentials.

The Reds, who currently sit at the top of the table, went on to draw 0-0 at home with Fulham and West Ham in November and December, increasing questions surrounding Rafa Benitez's side.

Liverpool are, therefore, eager to set the record straight and, with Manchester United and Chelsea clashing on Sunday, could find themselves six points clear come Saturday night.

Battle

Stoke, though, have proved they know how to annoy Benitez, and Pulis' men - who have slipped down the division to occupy the final relegation spot - have already defeated Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium this season.

The Potters have adopted a physical style but, after watching his charges become embroiled in the battle to avoid the drop, Pulis has added former West Ham winger Matthew Etherington to his ranks.

Etherington joined on Thursday for an undisclosed fee as Pulis looks for a little guile in wide areas and his new recruit is set to be handed a debut against Liverpool.

There are also expected to be changes following the FA Cup defeat by League One side Hartlepool last weekend.

Alonso doubt

Striker Richard Cresswell is available after suspension while Dave Kitson could get another run-out following knee problems as Ricardo Fuller remains banned.

Liverpool could be without influential midfielder Xabi Alonso after the Spaniard sustained a foot injury in the FA Cup victory at Preston, leaving Lucas Leiva on standby.

Star striker Fernando Torres may make his first start after returning from a six-week hamstring injury as a substitute when scoring at Deepdale.

Defensive duo Philipp Degen (foot) and Alvaro Arbeloa (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Possible starting XIs

Stoke: Sorensen, Davies, Higginbotham, Abdoulaye Faye, Pugh, Shawcross, Delap, Olofinjana, Etherington, Cresswell, Kitson.

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Aurelio, Kuyt, Lucas, Gerrard, Mascherano, Riera, Torres.