Liverpool’s January blues can be summed up by what’s happening at the back. Conceding late goals, particularly from set pieces, is what perhaps threatens to unravel a healthy League Cup run. But now, within touching distance of booking a place at Wembley, Liverpool need to concentrate.
Stoke have never beaten Liverpool in a senior cup tie, in 13 attempts, and are 1-0 down from the first leg, they will be without Ryan Shawcross, yet forwards Marko Arnautovic and Bojan Krkic could start. For the Reds, Nathaniel Clyne is a doubt (knee).
This won’t be the goal-fest we enjoyed against Norwich City. Liverpool will have prioritised their defensive strength – mental, as much as anything – and Stoke will be drilled for the attack. Liverpool to win and both teams to score is available with William Hill at 4.00.