Liverpool\’s win in the Merseyside Derby has just served to strengthen their fans belief that “this could be their year”. Certainly, Jurgen Klopp has done a great job enthusing his side with belief and attacking verve, whether that can be sustained over a long season is still a concern. As is that Liverpool defence.
This though is the kind of game that should suit Liverpool. Stoke aren’t particularly tricky nor particularly pacey (though they do have players that provide those elements individually) and the Liverpool defence should be able to cope with the physical presence that Bony provides. Stoke have been squandering decent goalscoring chances in previous games so even if they get through to Liverpool’s goal there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to finish the move off.
With good technical players like Bojan and Shaqiri, Stokes best chances will probably come from set pieces. With both Liverpool goalkeepers looking a little fragile it could be time to wind back the clock and chuck the ball into the mixer as far as Stoke are concerned.
In the betting markets, Liverpool are solid favourites and most Green Listed Bookmakers have them at about 1.29 for the home win and I don’t think there’s any value there. Not that I’d be happy backing Stoke or even going for the draw, Liverpool probably will win this one but not at odds I’m happy with.
Instead, I’m looking at the goal markets. Over 2.5 has similarly low odds but things get a little better at the Over 3 and Over 3.5 markets. I’m tempted by the odds of 1.83 with Pinnacle for Over 3 Goals but at the same time, I think there’s an even better way to go right now.
Neither side has been what you would call “defensively solid” this season. Each has only managed 5 clean sheets in their opening 17 matches and with both sides more focused on attack, I don’t see this one being low scoring or defensive either. For that reason, I’m going for Both Teams To Score (Yes) as my bet in this game. At 1.91 with both William Hill and Bet365, you’re looking at fairly decent odds and some actual value in a match where that commodity is hard to find.
As this is Tuesdays only Premier League match of the day there are sure to be a large number of people tuning in to watch. It probably won’t be a classic but there may be an interesting clash of styles and there will be plenty of people rooting for the underdog. One thing I am sure of, this Liverpool team will push right up until the final whistle and be looking to haul in Chelsea if at all possible.
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