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Stoke City host Liverpool this evening in the fourth round of the Carling Cup.
Both teams will have aspirations to win the competition of course, so there is a lot at stake tonight with both team’s expecting to field a strong starting line-up.
Each team are looking to respond from disappointing weekend’s in the Premier League as well. Stoke went down 3-1 at Arsenal, while Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Norwich.
These two have already met at the Britannia Stadium this season too. Back in September, the Potters ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Jonathan Walters strike and they would love to repeat this scoreline.
Liverpool on the other hand will be after some revenge. The Carling Cup is an important competition for them – they would love to win some silverware under Kenny Dalglish – and they will be determined to progress to the next round.
They have not won the League Cup since 2003 and they have also failed to win successive away games in this competition for the first time in 17 years. They won at Championship side Brighton last time out.
For Stoke, they will believe they have a realistic chance of winning tonight and the competition as a whole. They are a very dangerous side these days and not many people defeat them on home soil.
They also have former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch in their ranks who would love to impress for his new club against his former employers.
Dalglish’s men will certainly be aware of the challenge ahead for them in this game, although this is Stoke’s third game in six days.
Match odds
With this in mind, this is a very tough game to call. Liverpool are favourites though. You can back them at 2.10 (11/10) for the victory, while Stoke are 3.50 (5/2). Both with Bet365.
For the game to be level after 90 minutes, you can get odds of 3.25 (9/4) with Paddy Power.
Correct score
Many believe this will be a close contest with only a goal between the sides. You can get 1-0 Liverpool at 8.00 (7/1) with BetFred, while a repeat of the Premier League scoreline, 1-0 to Stoke, is available at 9.00 (8/1) with SkyBet.
Along similar lines, you can back 2-1 to Stoke at 12.00 (11/1) and the same margin of victory for Liverpool at 9.00 (8/1). Then, if you think this match is one too far for a tired Stoke side, you can back a strong Liverpool to win 2-0 at 11.00 (10/1) with Paddy Power.
First goalscorer
There are so many candidates in this market with both teams capable of scoring goals from all over the pitch. Favourite to break the deadlock is Luis Suarez though. He is 6.00 (5/1) with BoyleSports, closely followed by Andy Carroll at 7.00 (8/1).
Then, for Peter Crouch to get the home side going, you can back him at 8.00 (7/1) to score the first goal with StanJames.
For a couple of outside bets, why not back former Liverpool man Jermaine Pennant to score first at 21.00 (20/1) or Ryan Shawcross at 36.00 (35/1)
Recommended bets
Liverpool to win 2-1 @ 9.00 (8/1)
Jermaine Pennant to score first @ 21.00 (20/1)
