Stoke have started the new season really well on all fronts and I expect them to add to their points haul versus Liverpool on Saturday.
This weekend’s clash at The Britannia sees two of the Premier League’s unbeaten sides go head-to-head but it should be noted that the hosts are yet to taste defeat in seven matches in all competitions, including four Europa League contests, and Stoke are playing really well under Tony Pullis.
Having taken care of Hajduk Split and FC Thun en route to the group stages, Stoke have begun their Premier League campaign with draws against Norwich and Chelsea on the opening day but snatched a late winner at The Hawthorns last time out and should be full of confidence.
A last-minute Ryan Shotton goal gave the Potters all three points over West Brom and the club received a significant boost on transfer deadline day, too, when Pullis carried out some shrewd looking business.
Stoke may have well paid slightly over the odds for the Tottenham pair of Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios but that duo are proven in the English top flight and they were also joined by Cameron Jerome.
Pullis has assembled a very competitive squad but they will need to play to their potential against a Liverpool team that have hit the ground running and Luis Suarez, in particular, looks in top form.
A frustrating opening draw with Sunderland was quickly forgotten when Kenny Dalglish saw his troops triumph at the hapless Arsenal and I was impressed with the Reds when they swept aside Bolton, 3-1, at Anfield before the international break.
While Liverpool look the more likely victors, it’s all about the price and at odds of just 2.25 with William Hill I am happy to oppose the Merseysiders.
Dalglish would probably settle for a point, not many teams win at City, and that’s what I think he’ll get.
2pts Lay Liverpool (vs. Stoke) @ 2.26 (Betfair)