With Christmas out of the way, Liverpool fans are now hoping for a late gift from their side in the form of a win over Stoke City tonight.
Jurgen Klopp’s side play host to the Potters hoping to close the gap, or at least maintain, the six-point void, between themselves and Chelsea at the business end of the Premier League.
The Reds go into the clash having recently secured a victory over bitter rivals Everton in stoppage time ensuring confidence is sky high.
Nonetheless, the Merseysiders cannot be complacent when Mark Hughes’ side come to town, as with the attacking talent the Potters possess damage can be done to Liverpool’s fragile defence at any stage.
Last season’s fixture saw Liverpool run out 4-1 winners and it’s likely the Reds will achieve a similar scoreline if the right team is chosen.
Here is the starting XI Klopp must pick to secure all three points…
GK: Simon Mignolet
The Belgian has forced himself back into contention at Anfield following the poor decision making of team-mate Loris Karius.
Mignolet initially lost his place in the side for his weaknesses under the ball and not being able to command his area, so against Stoke he must ensure those weaknesses are addressed.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
If there’s one consistent performer in this shaky Liverpool defence, Clyne is that man.
The right-back has unique ability for a full-back in that he can both attack and defend with equal quality.
Clyne must use his pace to strike fear into the Stoke defence when going forward.
CB: Ragnar Klavan
Since signing from Augsburg, Klavan has barely put a foot wrong for the Anfield outfit, and he kept Everton striker Romelu Lukaku silent during his team’s Merseyside Derby victory.
Klavan may not be the classiest of defenders, but he’s capable of duelling with a team with the physical nature of Stoke.
CB: Dejan Lovren
Croatian defender Lovren continues to divide opinion at Anfield, as without Matip at his side, the former Southampton player is prone to making costly mistakes.
Lovren’s performances have improved in recent months, but against a Stoke side that will pressure him, Klopp must keep a close eye on his performance.
LB: James Milner
Milner has been excellent since switching to left-back in Klopp’s XI, providing the sort of security Alberto Moreno could not bring to the table.
He faces the difficult task of preventing Xherdan Shaqiri having a significant impact tonight, which will be a tough task.
DM: Jordan Henderson
Club captain Henderson can count himself lucky his ankle wasn’t broken by Ross Barkley during the Reds’ derby defeat of Everton.
Henderson has become an integral member of Klopp’s side and inspiring his team-mates has been the role of the England international all-season.
He must impose his intensity on this hungry Stoke midfield.
CM: Emre Can
The German international makes Liverpool’s passing silkier and easier on the eye.
Can came on late against Everton in the Merseyside Derby win and offered the sort of physicality that will be needed against Stoke.
If the Reds can get Can in possession, he will dictate play from midfield.
CM: Adam Lallana
If you’re discussing a surprise package of the season, Lallana’s name must be thrown into the mix. Now a first-team regular, Lallana’s absence is too costly for Klopp even to consider.
His footwork, dribbling ability, and defence-splitting passes have been the catalyst to Liverpool’s success this campaign.
Lallana must continue his impressive season, with another good display against the Potters.
CAM: Sadio Mane
Senegal forward Mane will be Liverpool’s focus in attacking positions. The former Southampton player can stretch, open up or just destroy a Stoke defence that is going to set up tight and narrow at Anfield.
Mane’s goal against Everton in midweek further elevated his growing reputation, and another goal in front of the Kopites will fill him with confidence ahead of the visit of Manchester City on New Year’s Eve.
ST: Divock Origi
In the absence of Philippe Coutinho, Origi has scored some crucial goals to ensure the injury wasn’t the cause for concern for Klopp it may have been.
Origi has netted four times in league action since Coutinho’s injury, and he will be hopeful of adding a fifth at Anfield.
The Belgian scored against Stoke in April so confidence should be high facing the Potters.
ST: Daniel Sturridge
The form of Roberto Firmino should be causing concern for Klopp. Since Coutinho’s injury, the Brazilian has looked a shadow of the player he was.
The ex-Hoffenheim man deserves to be dropped against Stoke and in his place should go to Sturridge to have one final crack at winning over Klopp.
With no league goals this season, Sturridge will be hopeful of ending his barren run if provided with the opportunity to do so by Klopp.
A front two system with Sturridge and Origi has worked well in the past, too.
