In the points table, Liverpool with 34 points is just ahead of Stoke with 29 points, as per espnstar.com. Hence a victory for Stoke will mean that they would move closer to top 6. A defeat for Liverpool will be disastrous, as they would be lagging behind the Champions League qualification spot, which is one of its main ambitions of the season.

Liverpool has been one of the best teams of the season so far, though their results do not portray it. Their biggest disappointment has been performances against the weaker teams, where they drew and have even lost - resulting in some major loss of points, which will hit them at the end of the season. Liverpool players such as Gerrard, Adam, and Bellamy have looked good so they need to come up with quality football to spur on their players. Their defensive pair of Skrtel and Agger has been in great form and need to maintain it for the rest of the season too.

Stoke could become the first team during the season to beat Liverpool at home, for which, they have to play out of their skin. Former Liverpool player, Peter Crouch, could play a major role for Stoke, as he has the much needed experience to play at Anfield, whose fans are considered to be the best. Other players such as Whitehead, Whelan, and Etherington have the much needed quality to upset Liverpool. But the question remains, would they be able to deliver?

What will be missing during the match at Anfield will be many stars not in action including Suarez, Lucas and Spearing. Still, Liverpool have enough depth in their squad to fill these vacant positions.