V
An ugly fixture this. I feel compelled to start this match thread as the 3 prior match threads I started have all resulted in wins, and by Christ we could do with a change in fortunes at Stoke.
The moaner Vs The philosopher
Rugby Vs football
Who will come out on top? Well, for me it looks as though a draw here is on the cards. Stoke not only have one of the best defensive records in the Prem but they also have one of the best defensive records in Europe, with only a handful of clubs bettering their defensive record. They're also unbeaten at home and recently we have struggled with this is fixture.
By all accounts Adam has been granted compassionate leave by Pulis after the passing of his father (RIP), but the medal grabber is hoping for a return against his former club after overcoming a hamstring injury.
My team selection, or the team I'd like to see would be one with Allen continuing on the sidelines, he's lightweight and will get brushed and bruised to the sides quite a bit. We need to steel up the midfield, probably the same as before with Shelvey in, while he's no game breaker he'll at least have the physical attributes to wrestle in midfield.
--------------------------------- Reina
-------------- Johnson-----Sketel----Agger-----Enrique
-----------------------Gerrard----------Lucas
--------------------------------Shelvey
------------Downing--------Suarez--------Sterling
Downing ONLY gets the nod due to form of his last game (I'll always advocate playing a player who shows a bit of form earning him his place) but it has to be equally as good to retain his position in the team/club.
1-0 Liverpool
Champions of England 2020.
YNWA