Liverpool left it late to beat Everton in the Merseyside Derby on Monday and will be high on confidence for the reception of Stoke on Boxing Day. Jurgen Klopp’s side are unbeaten in seven home league games this season and have scored an average of 2.6 goals in those matches.
Stoke will be kicking themselves after they let a 2-0 lead against the 10 men of Leicester slip to only come away with a point from their last match. The Potters are now winless in three matches, although they have only lost one of their last five on the road.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last four home league matches against Stoke and have kept a clean sheet in three of those matches. They should have no problems in dispatching Stoke on Boxing Day to keep pace with league leaders Chelsea. Naija and Bet
Team News
Liverpool – Daniel Sturridge returned to first-team action in the Merseyside Derby and made a positive impact from the bench to help Liverpool steal a late 1-0 win. He is in line to start his first league game since the 0-0 draw against Manchester United back in October.
An ankle injury kept Matip out of Liverpool’s win over Everton and the defender may not recover in time for the reception of Stoke on Boxing Day. Ragnar Klavan impressed in his absence and will be ready to deputise again if needed.
Philippe Coutinho isn’t expected back until Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City on New Year’s Eve.
Stoke- Xherdan Shaqiri was dropped to the bench in Stoke’s 2-2 draw against Leicester last time out and will be pushing for a return to the starting XI here. Bojan capped his first start in nearly a month with a goal in that game and will be hoping to retain his spot on Boxing Day.
Marko Arnautovic serves the second of his three-match ban here. Ibrahim Afellay isn’t expected to return to first-team action until 2017, while Jack Butland, Geoff Cameron, Phil Bardsley and Stephen Ireland are all ruled out.
Match Facts
Liverpool are undefeated in their last 15 home matches (Premier League).
Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 home matches (Premier League).
Liverpool are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 home matches against Stoke in all competitions.
As at this post Liverpool has 1.29 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Stoke City has 10.75 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 5.86.