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Liverpool will still be flying high after their Carling Cup semi-final first leg victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, but now they will turn their attention to the race for a top four finish when they go up against Stoke on Saturday.
While a potential place in the Carling Cup final will no doubt be music to fans ears, the Champions League battle is hotting up and the Reds are in danger of being left behind if they do not start picking up maximum points on a regular basis.
They sit three points behind Chelsea who occupy fourth spot and two points behind Arsenal in 5th, and with the Blues facing a potentially tricky tie against a resurgent Sunderland, Liverpool may well see this as an opportunity to land a decisive blow in the battle.
Off the field distractions may have given boss Kenny Dalglish cause for concern in recent weeks – the eight game suspension facing key striker Luis Suarez was compounded by Stuart Downing’s arrest over allegations he assaulted his girlfriend in a bar – but the Scot will have been delighted with the response of his side as they took a 1-0 win into the second leg of their Carling Cup tie.
While Liverpool may be going into the game at Anfield full of confidence they will go up against a Stoke side that have recovered from a shaky start to find themselves pushing for a Europa League spot.
The Potters now occupy 8th place and in fact are just five points behind Liverpool, and while there is no suggestion they may push on and challenge the top six, they will certainly be happy with their season at the half-way point.
Tony Pulis’s side have now gone four games unbeaten since their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in December, including a win over Gillingham that secured them a spot in the F.A Cup fourth round.
The last time the two sides met Suarez proved to be the difference as the former Ajax man bagged a brace to help Liverpool pick up all three points at the Britannia Stadium.
Suarez is unavailable this time round because of his ban, while Jay Spearing may also miss out because of a hamstring injury picked up in the win against City.
Lucas Leiva is out for the season meaning Charlie Adam and Steven Gerrard will continue their midfield partnership, with the latter certainly proving his worth to the Red since his return from a lengthy lay off through injury.
Match Winner
Liverpool have yet to lose at home this season and have an impressive defensive record at Anfield, meaning it comes as no surprise they go into the game against Stoke as favourites.
Bet365 have the Reds placed at 1.44 (4/9) to take the win while Stoke are best placed at 8.50 (15/2) with Paddy Power to inflict Liverpool’s first home defeat of the season. The draw is 4.50 (7/2) with BoyleSports.
First Goalscorer
With Luis Suarez missing, much of the goal scoring responsibility will fall upon the out-of-form Andy Carroll.
The £35 million January signing has yet to find his feet 12 months on from his big money move, but is 6.00 (5/1) with Ladbrokes to open the scoring against Stoke.
Craig Bellamy has impressed this season and is the same price with the same bookmaker as his team-mate, while Steven Gerrard is also 6.00 (5/1) with Bet365.
For Stoke, Peter Crouch represents their best hope of scoring first, with the former Spurs man 12.00 (11/1) with Bet365 to get proceedings underway.
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: Steven Gerrard, 6/1 (5/1) Bet365
Correct score: Liverpool 1-0, 7.00 (6/1) BetFred
