Monday 25 May 2015 07:17, UK
Steven Gerrard will be aiming to end his Liverpool career with a win when they travel to Stoke City on Sunday.
The Liverpool captain’s farewell match at Anfield ended in defeat last weekend as Crystal Palace ran out 3-1 winners on Merseyside.
But Gerrard will be hoping for better at the Britannia in his final match before he jets off to the MLS to join LA Galaxy.
Liverpool have only won one of their last five matches and could slip down to seventh - out of automatic qualification for the Europa League - if they are beaten and Tottenham and Southampton win.
Stoke surpassed their record points haul in the Premier League with a draw at Burnley last weekend and are assured of finishing ninth.
But they have lost their last three meetings with Liverpool, including a 1-0 reverse earlier this season.
Team news
Mark Hughes has a near-fit squad - including new permanent signing Philipp Wollscheid - to choose from for the final game of the season.
Stephen Ireland is a doubt with a stiff back but Victor Moses (hamstring) is fighting for a return, while the Potters boss looks set to bring Asmir Begovic back into the side.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists forward Raheem Sterling is available for selection despite his contract row hitting the headlines again this week.
Gerrard makes his 710th and final appearance while striker Mario Balotelli, who has not featured since April 28 because of injury and illness, remains a doubt.
Opta facts
Jonathan Walters has scored in each of his last three Premier League appearances versus Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium (four goals).
Liverpool have won their last three games against Stoke City, this after winning just two of their previous 10 in the Premier League (D5 L3).
Gerrard has assisted only one Premier League goal this season, his lowest total since recording zero in his debut campaign in 1998-99.
Gerrard has scored 50 away goals in the Premier League and this match will be his 250th away appearance in the competition.
Gerrard is currently Liverpool’s top scorer in the league with eight goals this season.The last season where Liverpool had no players reaching 10+ league goals was 2004-05 (Milan Baros, 9).
If Gerrard ends as Liverpool’s top scorer on eight goals it will be the lowest top scorer total Liverpool have recorded in the Premier League era.
Merson's prediction
I don’t go against Stoke at home. Palace battered Liverpool last week and these stories about Raheem Sterling won’t help Liverpool. Mark Hughes has done a brilliant job. Stoke play good football but when they need to mix it they mix it. They have been very impressive.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (10/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Liverpool are 11/10 with Sky Bet to get the away win that would see them secure fifth place and a spot in the Europa League for next season. Stoke are as formidable as ever at home and they’re 9/4 to condemn Liverpool to a 12th Premier League defeat of the season, or 13/5 to draw. Steven Gerrard had his Anfield farewell last weekend, but this game is likely to be his last for Liverpool, and the legendary midfielder is 7/4 to mark it with a goal, or 11/4 to score in an away win.
