Stoke manager Tony Pulis will be without Rory Delap (hernia) and Marc Wilson (broken leg), while former Anfield favourite Michael Owen will not be available to line up against his former club after failing to overcome a hamstring strain.

Another former Merseyside connection, midfielder Charlie Adam, could also be in doubt after the death of his father last week saw him miss the 0-0 draw against Tottenham on Saturday.

Oussama Assaidi (knee) is the only recent injury concern for Brendan Rodgers and is a doubt after missing the 4-0 win over Fulham. Otherwise, Fabio Borini (broken foot) and Martin Kelly (knee) remain out after long injury lay-offs.

Rogers is expected to continue to rotate after leaving both Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen on the bench for Saturday’s game. Stewart Downing will likely retain his place on the left wing after grabbing his first goal and assist for the club since joining 18 months ago.

• The hosts only conceded 13 goals this term – two better than champions Manchester City.

• The Potters have struggled up the other end of the pitch, though, scoring just 15 times in total.

• Stoke are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run, with their last defeat coming at the hands of Chris Hughton’s Norwich in early November.

• Luis Suarez’s goal for Liverpool against Fulham took his tally to eleven for the season in the Premier League, the exact same amount he managed all last campaign.

• The Reds have lost just two of their eight away games this campaign.

• Stewart Downing’s assist and goal against Martin Jol’s side was his first in the league for the club in 45 games, since moving to Anfield last summer.

• At this point last season, Liverpool had 31 points from as many games under Kenny Dalglish, six more than they currently have under Brendan Rodgers.