Stoke City vs. Liverpool Preview

The Boxing Day fixtures in the Premier League conclude at the Britannia Stadium as Stoke City host Liverpool.

The hosts extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur last time out and are one of only two teams who are yet to lose at home in the league.

Tony Pulis’s men also boast the best defensive record in the division having kept clean sheets in half of their games, conceding just thirteen goals all season.

Michael Owen is close to fitness and could make his first appearance in two months whilst fellow ex-Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is also hoping for a recall. The pair are available at a best price of 11.0 (10/1) and 9.0 (8/1) respectively to get the first goal of the game with Stan James.

Despite their good form, Stoke are as highly priced as 3.6 (13/5) to take all three points, with Liverpool favourites at 2.38 (11/8). The draw is 3.25 (9/4) with a variety of firms.

The visitors bounced back from their disappointing result against Aston Villa eleven days ago by hammering Fulham 4-0 last time out, a result that lifted them to eighth place, above Stoke on goal difference.

Brendon Rogers men have now lost just two of their last ten games, and are just five points off a Champions League position.

Joe Allen may miss out with a pelvic injury, though Raheem Sterling is pushing for a start having started Saturday’s match on the bench.

Top scorer Luis Suarez is the 6.5 (11/2) favourite to score first, while Steven Gerrard who has scored in successive games for the first time in almost twelve months is 11.0 (10/1) shot.