Stoke vs Liverpool – Match Preview

Daniel Sturridge will miss Liverpool’s League Cup semi-final first leg at Stoke on Tuesday after suffering a minor setback in training as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

The striker, 26, has been blighted by injuries, making only 19 appearances last season and six this campaign.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has only one fit striker, Christian Benteke, with Divock Origi and Danny Ings also injured.

Stoke’s Geoff Cameron is available despite being sent off on Saturday.

The USA defender’s red card in the 2-1 defeat by West Brom was overturned on appeal, meaning his three-match ban was withdrawn.

Editor’s Note: Both teams tasted defeat on Saturday in the league and they will be looking to put those results behind them as they aim to secure a day out at Wembley in February.

In fairness to both sides it is probably their best chance of securing a trophy, it’s a tournament that Liverpool have enjoyed over the years while Stoke will be looking to return to the Twin Towers for the first time since their F.A Cup defeat of 2011.

Jurgen Klopp has seen the good and bad of his Liverpool side since taking over and their indifference sees them currently 8th in the table while Mark Hughes won’t be too disappointed in Stoke’s 10th place. But tonight the league campaigns are forgotten about as Hughes will be hoping his Stoke players make The Britannia another fortress tonight

They will be boosted by Geoff Cameron having his red card rescinded while Jurgen Klopp faces more injury frustration as Daniel Sturridge’s biscuit legs face another setback. Much again will depend on Christian Benteke for Liverpool he like The Reds League form has been hot and cold this season with Klopp hoping it’s the former this evening.

Stoke’s attacking trio were quite quiet on Saturday away at West Brom maybe going up against a more expansive side like Liverpool may allow them to play the kind of Football that we know they are capable of.

The tie won’t be decided tonight and with Liverpool having the second leg at home I reckon a draw wouldn’t be the worst result for them as they will aim to secure their Wembley trip in the return fixture. 1-1 for me tonight.