Liverpool vs Stoke City Betting Odds – Loss to Stoke could signify end of Benitez era at Liverpool
Soccer Odds: Pick Stoke +335 |
Liverpool has disappointed online betting < http://www.betonline.com/> players who thought they would challenge for the top spot in England. The Reds are now just fighting for a Champions League spot, but injuries and inconsistency has plagued them. Look for them to reach a new low when they head to an improving Stoke City this weekend.
Liverpool vs Stoke City Betting Odds: Liverpool -125; Stoke +335; Draw +220 |
| WHAT: Soccer betting |
| WHEN: Saturday, January 16, 7:45 PM ET |
| WHERE: Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent, England |
| KEY STAT: Liverpool has won one and drawn two of their three meetings with Stoke |
The Storyline: Liverpool vs Stoke City Betting Odds
Liverpool was eliminated from the FA Cup by Reading, and matters were made worse with more injuries to their top players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. This was after manager Rafa Benitez promised the team would finish in the top four. Currently they’re seventh, just three spots ahead of Stoke, who have won their last two matches overall.
Offensive Matchup: Liverpool vs Stoke City Betting Odds
It should be simple to give the nod to Liverpool, but in the face of injuries to Torres, Gerrard and Yossi Benayoun, where is the creativity going to come from? Dirk Kuyt works hard, but he’s not an offensive specialist by any means.
This could give Stoke a fighting chance in this match as they’ve scored the third-fewest goals in the league. However, things could be looking for Stoke, who have scored six goals in their last two matches from a variety of different players.
Betting Edge: Draw
Defensive Matchup: Liverpool vs Stoke City Betting Odds
Liverpool’s defense has been wildly inconsistent this season, led by Jamie Carragher, who hasn’t been as stout as years past. Pepe Reina has also been shaky, which doesn’t look good for his attempts to get an extension.
Betting Edge: Stoke
Notable Injuries: Liverpool vs Stoke City Betting Odds
It’s not just Torres (knee), Gerrard (hamstring) and Benayoun (ribs), but also midfielder Javier Mascherano (knee), who is battling to get fit for this match. Defender Glen Johnson (knee) should be out until March.
Betting Edge: Stoke
Totals: Liverpool vs Stoke City Betting Odds
Only one of their three meetings has gone over the posted total, and if you combine Liverpool’s injury woes with Stoke’s scoring problems, this should also be a low-scoring Sportsbook affair.
Pick: Under 2.5
Outlook and Pick: Liverpool vs Stoke City Betting Odds
Liverpool has won one and drawn two of their three meetings with Stoke, including a 4-0 trouncing earlier this year at Anfield. Stoke looked out of their element, but they’re used to the speed of the Premiership game now, and they’re welcoming a Liverpool squad that is as low as any in England. This is where Liverpool don’t match up with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United: their depth. Outside of the first 11, there isn’t much quality. Stoke will feel boosted by this, and they’ll pull out an upset that could mean the end of Benitez at Liverpool.
TODD’S PICK: Stoke +335
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