Liverpool vs Stoke: Gerrard-inspired Reds can claim narrow win
Published:Liverpool remain unbeaten at Anfield this season, but have drawn more home games than they have won.
Kenny Dalglish’s men need to buck this trend as quickly as possible, and can overcome an awkward fixture at home to Stoke at 4/9.
The teams have already met in the Carling Cup this season, when Liverpool ran out 2-1 winners at the Britannia Stadium, as both managers fielded strong sides.
Tony Pulis’ team have picked up of late after an indifferent start to the campaign, and it is not often you will see them priced 7/1 to win a Premier League game nowadays, as they are here.
It is 3/1 that Stoke become the seventh team this season to leave Anfield with a point.
With neither side having scored more than 25 league goals this campaign, and Liverpool’s defence looking particularly stingy, conceding just eight goals at Anfield, a low-scoring affair looks likely this weekend.
A 1-0 home win is priced at 6/1 and that should see plenty of interest from punters.
It is 13/5 that 0-1 goals are scored in the game, while 10/11 is the price attributed for 2-3 goals to be notched.
Liverpool to win with two or fewer goals scored in the match could represent better value however, at a generous 9/4.
Steven Gerrard is back for the home side, and buoyed by the signing of a new long-term contract, he could prove the difference between the sides as he was against Manchester City in midweek.
The inspirational England international is 5/1 to score first.
Another option for a first or last goalscorer bet is Andy Carroll, who looked much sharper in midweek and is due a goal.
Able to mix it up adequately with Stoke’s physical style, Carroll is also 5/1 to score first or last.
He will be eager to make an impression in the coming weeks in the absence of Luis Suarez.
