At long last, the Premier League has returned, and where would be more befitting a location for Liverpool’s ideally resurgent season than the Britannia Stadium. The place where all of the team’s issues were both highlighted and brutally exposed in an absolute mauling which concluded what was a largely underwhelming campaign for Rodgers’ side. Now, after a very busy summer, it is vital that the team displays a vast improvement upon that listless display.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
The side from Anfield has a rather different look to it now. Steven Gerrard has of course left for ventures new, whilst the most insufferable transfer saga of the summer resulted in Raheem Sterling’s big money departure from the club. Once again a number of acquisitions have arrived at Melwood though to inspire hope for the Liverpool faithful ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
The nature of the defence will be somewhat different, with Nathaniel Clyne seemingly a shoe-in to replacement Glen Johnson at right back, and Joe Gomez rumoured to be coming in for Alberto Moreno on the opposite side. This may be a surprise for those who have not been watching much of the team in pre-season, however the new signing from Charlton has been something of a revelation – albeit against poor opposition – and looks set to play a reasonably regular role this year. Moreno must work on his defensive deficiencies this year, as he was too often giving opponents too much room to get a shot off and caught out of position in general last term.
Dejan Lovren looks set to play ahead of Sakho alongside Skrtel this weekend in what is perhaps the most controversial line up decision from the Liverpool manager. Rodgers will need a big performance from the Croatian defender, and indeed cannot really afford a loss, otherwise there is no doubt that the daggers will be swiftly drawn from sections of the fan base.
In the middle of the park new vice-captain Milner seems nailed on to be a key member of the side alongside Jordan Henderson this season. He may not be the Steven Gerrard of old, but he is a very accomplished footballer, and truth be told is an improvement upon the Gerrard of last season, who suffered quite a bit, especially in the defensive midfield role. The interesting tactical decision for Sunday will be as to whether Lucas or Emre Can lie behind the English duo in the anchor-man role, or if Henderson and Milner support a trio of more offensive players to sit in front of them.
Christian Benteke seems certain to play, but the other big-money signing Roberto Firmino may not be fit enough to start, and so may be an option off the bench. Jordon Ibe is likely to start in his place after a great pre-season, probably along with Coutinho and Adam Lallana – who incidentally also performed well in the club’s tour abroad.
As for Stoke, they too have made some additions this summer. The talented yet injury-prone Ibrahim Affelay was brought in on a free transfer after his turbulent time at Barcelona came to an end, whilst they also raided another Spanish giant in Real Madrid when acquiring Sergio Molina. Marco Van Ginkel came in on loan from Chelsea, and of course, last but unquestionably not least, Glen Johnson arrived and will likely make his debut on Sunday against his former team-mates.
The key issue for the home side will be Ryan Shawcross’ forthcoming lengthy spell on the sidelines with a back injury. This is especially notable having let Robert Huth move on to Leicester in a loan deal, which arguably leaves Christian Benteke with a great opportunity to wreak havoc on Sunday.
Interesting pre-match statistics:
- Liverpool have only won one of seven Premier League games at the Britannia (D2 L4), winning 5-3 in 2013/14 and 6-1 in 2014/2015.
- Liverpool have been shown more yellow cards on the opening weekend than any other team in Premier League history (44).
- Liverpool have only drawn a blank three times on the opening weekend of a Premier League campaign (92/93, 05/06, 12/13).
- If only English goals counted, Liverpool would have finished top of the Premier League last season on 71 points, nine ahead of Crystal Palace and Tottenham.
- Roberto Firmino has recorded 21 assists over the last two seasons, more than any other Brazilian in the top 5 European leagues.
- Stoke have scored in their last 11 home league games.
Likely line ups:
Stoke City: Butland; Johnson, Wilson, Wollscheid, Peters; Whelan, Sidwell, Adam; Diouf, Arnautovic, Joselu.
Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Skrtel, Gomez; Milner, Henderson, Coutinho; Lallana, Ibe, Benteke.
Match result prediction: Stoke City 1 Liverpool 2
Where you can watch the match:
SkySports 1 at 4pm on Sunday the 9th August 2015
Highlights on Match of the Day 2 at 10.30pm (BBC1) on Sunday the 9th August 2015
Adam Connellan
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