Stoke v Liverpool preview

A week in which Liverpool were content to claim a point against Wigan also saw legendary former striker Kenny Dalglish make his debut on Twitter. The times they are a-changing for Reds fans this season.

One constant of the campaign so far has been the importance of key duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, who between them have either scored or set up the Reds' last 12 league goals.

It was 13th time unlucky for Gerrard at the DW Stadium, with the crossbar denying the Liverpool captain a late winner against Wigan. Even Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson admitted that would have been harsh on the Latics.

Stoke ended a run of five straight defeats in league and cup by beating Birmingham in midweek, a result that took them above the Blues in the league table.

Potters boss Tony Pulis says a series of refereeing errors have cost his side dearly this season, although they perhaps got the rub of the green on Tuesday, when Dean Whitehead's winner was allowed to stand despite the midfielder appearing to handle the ball in the build-up to the goal.

Defender Ryan Shawcross is available after serving a one-game ban against Birmingham on Tuesday.

Pulis could also decide to rest Ricardo Fuller, who has only recently returned from a shoulder injury.

Liverpool's Sotirios Kyrgiakos is back after tonsillitis, but Joe Cole and Glen Johnson remain sidelined.

The Reds will assess Raul Meireles, who was forced off at Wigan because of illness, but fit-again duo Brad Jones and Fabio Aurelio will be on the bench.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.