Having lost 2-0 to League One’s Hartlepool in the Third Round of the FA Cup, Stoke City now face the daunting prospect of a visit from league-leaders Liverpool.
Liverpool are the only member of the Premier League’s leading six clubs not to visit Stoke City. The Potters have won two and lost three of their home matches against top-six opposition this season, though two of those defeats came against second and third-placed Chelsea and Manchester United.
League-leaders Liverpool travel to a newly promoted side for the first time this season. The Reds have excelled on the road to promoted teams in the past three seasons winning seven and drawing two of those nine encounters. Liverpool’s record away to bottom-six teams since 2005/06, though strong, is not as impressive with four defeats in 21 games (W13-D4-L4). Indeed, Liverpool’s only defeat in an impressive league campaign this season came away to a then second-bottom Tottenham.
Liverpool appear to be better than at anytime since Rafa Benitez took control in August 2004. This is borne out by a steadily improving win percentage away from home year-on-year. In 2008, Liverpool won 53% of all of their games on the road, with four wins in seven games away to bottom-six teams (W4-D2-L1). However, with the Scousers’ below 1.45 to win, the price is prohibitive.
Similarly, Liverpool cannot particularly be fancied to cover the -1.5 Asian handicap, having won only three of their last nine matches on the road to promoted sides by more than one goal, and three of seven away to bottom-six opposition in 2008 by two clear goals or more. That said, the Reds have won three of their last four games on the road by two goals or more.
The Total Goals market may be the best avenue for those seeking a financial interest in this match. The Britannia Stadium has seen fewer than three goals in five of their last six home games and Liverpool have featured in 6/10 -2.5 goals matches on the road this season. Stoke City’s rearguard action at home to Manchester United recently and the importance of this match to Liverpool, given their title rivals clash at Old Trafford the following day, suggests a low-scoring affair. A small interest is advised.
Recommend: – 2.5 goals 2.06 Betfair.
Stats and recommendations by bettorlogic.com, a statistics-based sports analysis website.
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