Liverpool vs Stoke City: Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Liverpool welcome Stoke City to Anfield on Sunday for their FA Cup quarter final tie, with the victors awarded a trip to Wembley.

The home side have failed to push on from their Carling Cup success as three successive league defeats saw their hopes of a top-four finish hanging in the balance, with the Reds currently 10 points off the pace of fourth-placed Arsenal.

However, Kenny Dalglish will hope Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Everton will be a springboard to an end-of-season push and a cup double is still very much on the cards.

Liverpool will face last years FA Cup finalists in good form, with Tony Pulis’ side having won three of their last five games in all competitions, and the Potters will be out for revenge after being knocked out of the Carling Cup by their hosts last October.

Team News

The big decision for Dalglish will be whether to stick with an unchanged line-up after their impressive 3-0 victory over Everton in midweek.

However, Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Charlie Adam are all pushing for recalls and King Kenny may opt to make some changes with one-eye on Wednesday’s Premier League game against QPR.

Daniel Agger remains on the sidelines with a rib injury while Glen Johnson is also set to miss out with a knock. Although even when fit, the England defender will do well to displace the impressive Kelly at right back.

Stoke will be without the services of Ricardo Fuller through suspension after the striker was stupidly sent off for kicking out at Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic at Stamford Bridge last week.

Thomas Sorensen is likely to continue his cup duties in goal while Peter Crouch is also likely to feature.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Despite Liverpool’s unpredictable home form this season, which has seen them record far too many draws, i expect them to be full of confidence after Wednesday’s victory over Everton. With a fully fit and firing Steven Gerrard on the pitch, Liverpool will have too much for a plucky Stoke side. Liverpool 2-0 Stoke

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