With both Liverpool FC and Stoke City vying to book their place at Wembley, we can expect the two sides to have a real go at each other.
The Reds’ morale boosting 5-4 win over Norwich City was one of the high points of their season, and Stoke City could prove the perfect team to test their mettle against.
Both Jurgen Klopp and Mark Hughes would be aware of how potent their respective opponents are, and would give their own teams ample pointers on how to tackle them.
Team News
Liverpool FC
Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Mignolet; Moreno, Sakho, Toure, Flanagan; Allen, Lucas, Can; Lallana, Benteke, Ibe.
Stoke City
Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Butland; Pieters, Wollschied, Wilson, Johnson; Afellay, Whelan; Arnautovic, Walters, Shaqiri; Bojan.
Key Facts
- Stoke City have conceded six goals in their last five matches in all competitions, in spite of keeping a clean sheet against Arsenal FC.
- Fullback Glen Johnson is a crucial component of the Stoke setup, as he is their second highest assister, setting up three goals in the Premier League.
- Liverpool FC have conceded an astounding 10 goals in their last five matches.
- Christian Benteke has been quite ineffective this season, scoring just thrice in the Premier League.
Prediction
Liverpool FC 2-2 Stoke City
The Potters have a very potent attack, and with the Liverpool FC defence leaking goals by the dozen, it seems that they are in for quite a test. However, the Reds also have a very capable attack, and the 5-4 win against Norwich City would have given them quite a boost. Playing at home, Klopp’s men should have just enough in their tanks to take them through.
Odds (Paddy Power)
Liverpool FC: 3/4
Draw: 13/5
Stoke City: 4/1