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Strongest Liverpool Lineup vs Stoke City: Coutinho To Run Riot Against The Stoke Defence

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By Sumedh Pande

After an eventful night in Dortmund, with the all-important second leg coming up at Anfield comes the match against Stoke City. Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund played at an even contest which ended 1-1 and the balance is not tilted to any one of the sides ahead of the second leg. Divock Origi scored for the reds yesterday while Mats Hummels equalised for the black and yellows.

Stoke City will be the visitors this Sunday and Klopp’s men have to win this one to keep up the pressure on the sides above them. Though Europa League is the main priority at this moment, a high position in the league is always required and Liverpool have to play at their best if they want all three points against the Potters.

The Potters are experiencing an injury crisis with Jack Butland, Marc Wilson, Glen Johnson, Jon Walters and Greg Whelan all out of the clash against Liverpool. Xherdan Shaqiri, Geoff Cameron and Ryan Shawcross are also doubtful.

Emre Can is suspended for two League matches as the German had accumulated 10 yellow cards this season. Jordan Henderson was injured last night and he may join Danny Ings, Joe Gomez and Christian Benteke in the long term absentees list.

Let’s predict the lineup against Stoke City which can garner all important three points :

Goalkeeper : Simon Mignolet

The Belgian had a rather comfortable night against Borussia Dortmund but looked confident when he was needed. One super save from a Reus shot. He will be the no.1 for the remaining games.

Left back : Alberto Moreno

Looked defensively strong against a gigantic opponent and never looked out of place. Will keep his spot ahead of Jon Flanagan.

Centre back : Mamadou Sakho

If he finds consistency, the Frenchman can become one of the best in the league. Was the best defender on the pitch yesterday and has secured his place from Martin Skrtel.

Centre Back : Dejan Lovren

His partnership with Sakho is looking solid game after game and Klopp will keep the same combination against Stoke.

Right back : Nathaniel Clyne

One of the buys of the summer for the reds. Marco Reus was in his pocket the whole game and Clyne is showing his quality with every game passing by.

Centre midfield : James Milner

In the absence of Henderson, the 30-year-old will captain the side and needs a strong performance if a win which is a must is required.

Centre midfield : Joe Allen

Allen deserves a starting spot and has played very well when he was called upon. The Welshman will look to cement his place and a spirited display is needed from him.

Left attacking : Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho Is back
Coutinho Is back

The Brazilian’s form is good and against a makeshift Stoke defense, Coutinho can run riot at Anfield.

Centre Attacking : Roberto Firmino

After returning from an injury, Firmino played a little cameo against Dortmund and will start against the Potters to add to his impressive goal tally.

Right attacking : Adam Lallana

Lallana has improved leaps and bounds this year and has to increase his goals to be in the side next seasons.

Striker : Daniel Sturridge

With Klopp opting for Origi in the Europa League, Sturridge will start against Stoke City and look to get back to scoring ways.