Stoke build up

[danperkins]

They are a nightmare. Think I read the other day it's 12 unbeaten for them at home in the league against us, Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, City and Spurs since Utd fluked a win there in 2010. They treat these like CL finals and on a big football day like the 26th it'll be even tougher. Would be nice if we get the penalty when Shawcross or Huth try the murder attempt on Suarez as it's the sort of thing that will decide this close game.

outside of the top 4, it has be be the toughest place to go in the premier league. Maybe even on par with United,City & Chelsea away.

Shawcross and Huth are absolute animals, we do't stand a hope in hell on winning an aerial battle against them, so i hope we play to our strengths and pass them off the park... with an end product of course

Really tough game for us and as you said, bad place for us to go historically. We know how Stoke are going to play, just a matter of which Liverpool side shows up IMO.

[danperkins]

I think it's more than your opinion! It is the only way to beat them .

[Fredo]

Yeah if we manage to play short passes, think we can beat them. Then as I said, they tend to keep the grass long, which kind of negates that type of football. ****s.

[danperkins]

I have a feeling we're gonna nick a win. Some Suarez magic a la the League Cup win there a year ago. Two away wins (Stoke & QPR) would be ****ing immense.

It would be amazing, but i don't want to get my hopes up as every time feel we are making progress and reeling in the top 4 contenders... we seem to fall flat on our faces.

[Fredo]

Though the weather might play in our favour. Let it rain.

[spud_gun]

A draw would actually be a decent result for us away at Stoke these days.

[Shaggy]

It would be amazing, but i don't want to get my hopes up as every time feel we are making progress and reeling in the top 4 contenders... we seem to fall flat on our faces.

Every single time. It has to change some time though, it has to.

[Reece]

I absolutely hate playing Stoke.

But the Christmas spirit in me says we're going to win

Got a feeling we'll finally get a penalty too. Gonna stick some money on it actually. And then have a party.

[saj]

I share the sentiments of all those who think we will win against them - WE WILL WIN. We have 3 key plays who are bang on form and will be the key to getting passed them: Enrique, Johnson and Suarez.

[ronanm]

Would be nice to win as their style of play needs no encouragement x

[yamiedo]

Just found out its on Wednesday Woohoo!

[danperkins]

Every single time. It has to change some time though, it has to.

Christmas time is as good as any other to change it

[yamiedo]

A draw would actually be a decent result for us away at Stoke these days.

For any time in the league to be honest.

EDIT: Team*

[kingfunk]

"Hooooooooooof there it is"

[dww]

Best defense in the league & one of the toughest in Europe according to AVB. As shocking as that may sound initially, it literally is their game and may not be far from the truth.

Horrible side to break down, will win nothing in the air against them and they take physical to the extreme. We must be clinical against these as we might not get many clear opportunities at goal, worrying for us as we aren't exactly clinical.

As much as i don't like Tony Pulis or the way his teams play, he has to get some credit for them being so difficult to play against. He is utilising what he has and it has worked for Stoke.

Defences around Europe seem a bit dubious this season, in the PL especially (although I'll admit to not watching much European domestic football, I assume the CL/Europa teams are representative of the upper end).

Seems like teams are trying to change how they play and struggling to do the basics. Stoke on the other hand have kept to a well disciplined plan they have had for ages and are implementing it well.

You would think that the likes of Suarez would be the type of threat they would deal with worst. Hopefully he and Sterling can give them problems.