Liverpool will be without Steven Gerrard (hamstring), Fernando Torres (knee) and Yossi Benayoun (rib) after the trio were injured against Reading.But Javier Mascherano is available again after a four-game suspension and new signing Maxi Rodriguez could also be involved.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis will make a last-minute decision on the fitness of striker Tuncay (hamstring). Thomas Sorensen may return in goal following a finger injury.
Stoke
Doubtful: Sorensen (finger), Tuncay (hamstring)
Liverpool
Injured: Benayoun (rib), Gerrard (hamstring), Johnson (knee), Torres (knee)
MATCH PREVIEW
Out of the title race, out of the Champions League and now out of both cup competitions, Liverpool's disastrous season is in danger of complete collapse.
They are a side who have had their backside's slapped and Rafa will be looking for a massive reaction
A week that began badly with Tom Hicks Jr being forced to resign from the Anfield board after sending an abusive email to a fan, continued with a humiliating FA Cup exit at the hands of Reading.
The defeat has heaped further pressure on beleaguered manager Rafael Benitez, who admits that Liverpool's situation is "really bad".
The Spaniard's hopes of salvaging anything from the season were dealt a further blow with the news that Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun all face lay-offs after suffering injuries against Reading. The signing of Argentine winger Maxi Rodriguez on a free transfer is the only good news to have come out of Anfield this week.
Stoke ended a six-game winless run with a 3-2 defeat of Fulham last time out and look on course to better last season's 12th-placed finish.
Meanwhile, the Potters confirmed on Friday they have ended their interest in signing Portsmouth and England keeper David James.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• This is the 120th meeting between these sides. Liverpool have won 61 to Stoke's 26, with 32 draws.
• Stoke have failed to score in their last four games in all competitions against Liverpool.
• Stoke have lost only one of their last six Premier League home games.
• They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches in all competitions.
• The Potters have failed to score in five of their last seven Premier League matches.
• They have fired in just 60 shots on target this season, fewer than any other side.
Liverpool
• Exactly one year ago Liverpool were top of the Premier League, two points ahead of Man Utd.
• The Reds have already dropped 27 points this season, compared to 28 in the whole of last season.
• They have won three of their last four league games.
• Daniel Agger has played every minute of Liverpool's last seven league games, his best run at the club.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Stoke
Etherington: 4 goals (2 league)
Liverpool
Torres: 12 goals (12 league); Benayoun: 7 goals (5 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Mason
Assistant referees: Simon Long & Mo Matadar
Fourth official: Stuart Attwell
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Stoke (W3-2 v Fulham, h): Simonsen, Huth, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Lawrence (Diao 89), Delap (Whelan 66), Whitehead, Etherington, Sanli (Fuller 42), Sidibe. Subs Not Used: St Louis-Hamilton, Collins, Wilkinson, Beattie.
Liverpool (W1-0 v Aston Villa, a): Reina; Johnson (Skrtel 89), Carragher, Agger, Insua, Lucas, Aquilani (Babel 78), Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun (Aurelio 89), Torres. Subs not used: Cavalieri, Spearing, Kyrgiakos, Ngog.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Liverpool 4-0 Stoke (19 August 2009)
Liverpool scorers: Torres 4, Johnson 45, Kuyt 78, Ngog 90
Source: BBC Sport
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