Stoke City v Liverpool: Reds could face tough test against Potters

Stoke City 4.10 v Liverpool 2.04; The Draw 3.70
Saturday, 15:00

Stoke City

It has been an up and down season for the Potters with Mark Hughes' side lacking consistency. Stoke recovered from a slow start to the campaign as they climbed into the top half of the table but three successive defeats have dropped them down to 12th place. City have finished ninth for the last three years and this is still within their sights - only one point off this position with seven games remaining.

Their best form this season has come at home where they have lost only one of their last nine Premier League matches. The defeat, against Chelsea last month, was arguably unfortunate as they conceded a late goal to the league leaders. Stoke won their two previous matches at the bet365 Stadium and have proved difficult to beat in front of their fans.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp's side have been inside the top four of the league for virtually the entire campaign but there is still a lingering doubt whether Liverpool can secure Champions League football next season. Their record against the top six has been excellent, having not lost to any of them during the campaign, but their form against teams in the bottom half has let them down.

The late equaliser conceded in the 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on Wednesday summed up their weaknesses. Liverpool have failed to solve their defensive problems and have slipped up too many times against sides such as Swansea and Burnley. The loss to injury of Sadio Mane is another significant blow having failed to win in the league without the striker.

Match Odds

Stoke are outsiders for this weekend's game and odds of 4.10 should not be dismissed out of hand. The Potters are not an easy side to play against but most of their victories this season have come against sides in the bottom half of the table. Stoke look worth getting onside but in another market.

Liverpool are 2.04 to claim three points but there is not enough confidence in the visitors to back them. The Reds have gone five away matches in the league without a win stretching back to December. Klopp's side just have not been reliable enough in this type of fixture to trust at the odds.

The draw is available at 3.70 and is certainly worth considering. Two of Liverpool's last three games have ended level while Stoke recently frustrated Manchester City in a goalless draw. But the concerns over the visitors suggest it is worth turning to the double chance market to support City.

Double Chance

Stoke have lost just one of their last nine home league games which suggests odds of 1.94 for them to avoid defeat are generously priced. Liverpool are hard to trust especially against sides in the bottom half of the table. The value lies with the hosts and a bet on them to take at least a point appeals.

Ref Watch

Mike Dean takes charge of this game and the referee has sent off five players this season. Dean was not shy in dishing out red cards during the last campaign either with 12 dismissals.

Recommended Bet

Back Stoke/Draw in the Double Chance market at 1.94