WILL Liverpool quash the ghosts of May? Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) shares his best bets.
Stoke v Liverpool | Sunday 13:30 | Sky Sports 1
This for me is the most fascinating game of the weekend. You don't agree? You're wrong. So many stories! A new Liverpool side + an exotic Stoke outfit + that result in May. Yes, that humbling 6-1 defeat in May must have left Brendan Rogers tossing and turning in the company of his young partner for weeks. How will they respond here?
I think we'll get a real indicator of where Liverpool sit in early 2015/16 in this game on Sunday. Are they title contenders? Are they Top 4 material? Could Rodgers be on his way? This match provides a great measuring stick.
I'm sweet on both these sides in 2015/16. I really like what Liverpool have done over the summer. Christian Benteke is a man I've backed for Top Goalscorer and the influence of James Milner is key. Likewise, Stoke have had a bit of a personality refresh and decided they're exotic. Dutchman Ibrahim Afellay personifies that bout of confidence.
Stoke were smart enough to take points off Arsenal (3) and Manchester United (1) at home last season and of course smashed up Liverpool 6-1 on closing day last season.
While I've been impressed by Liverpool's signing policy this summer, are they at a level to see off Stoke on foreign soil? I'm not sure. Champions beat Stoke away, Top 4/5/6/ sides don't.
Liverpool have failed to beat Stoke in four of their last five Premier League meetings and I can see it recurring here. The draw has been priced up at 5/2 by Skybet. As draw prices go it's not amazing, but look at logically and it's value. I'm on.
Best Bets
Stoke v Liverpool – Draw (5/2 Skybet)
