Stoke – Liverpool, Saturday 4pm (cet)

Book Makers have Liverpool as favourites to win with betting odds of 2.20. Stoke pays out nicely at 3.40 times your money for a win and betting odds for a draw 3.30. Bet this match and the entire EPL season at UniBet and get a 25€ Free bet.

Street-fighters are suddenly respectable

When Stoke played their first couple of games in the top flight (back to 2008), they were branded as group of physically dominated players who could score only from set-pieces, or the touchline bombs of Rory Delap. Three years later, they’ve become a benchmark for all new promoted sides. Even more, Tony Pulis did an excellent job at the last day of transfer market, bringing two target men Peter Crouch (I can see where throw-ins will be going) and Cameron Jerome with another addition of tireless midfielder, Wilson Palacios. They’ve played seven competitive games so far this season, are without a defeat (in Premier win and two draws in Europa League four wins) and with their “normally good” shape at Britannia it’s clear even now they will be a tough nut to crack for any side. Even critics started saying that “Pulis might know what he is doing after all”.

Pressure of tempering expectations

Their disappointing draw against Sunderland at the opening day was quickly forgotten when King Kenny saw his troops triumph at the Emirates. The third game was only a demonstration of some power against the Trotters (3-1 at home). Now, they’re just behind Manchester duo and fans have been wondering can they finally (finally, when it’s about Liverpool) win some silverware. My impression is their big spending this summer additionally strengthens midfield and attack. Suarez looks fast and mean, Downing and Kuyt are keeping the flanks while Charlie Adam and Lucas run the show. However, back four with Enrique (still don’t know what to expect from him), Carragher (age 33), Agger and Skrtel are both prone to defensive errors are maybe something to worry about. If there’s a side (think I can name three) that can resist them and push them back then Liverpool could be in a danger of losing some decisive games this season. However, start of the season gave them plenty of confidence and they’ll go to Britannia for all three points.

Midfield is the key

Tony Pulis probably has an idea to try to keep the ball on the opposite half as much as possible. That would allow them to threat from set-pieces and throw-ins. On the other hand, if duo Adam – Lucas manage to boss the midfield that would make Downing and Kuyt on the wing and Suarez in front very dangerous (if Bolton’s defensive duo, Cahill -Knight,  struggled to catch Suarez, I don’t see how Woodgate and Shawcross are going to cope with his speed and movement). Additionally, both sides will be ambitious to win the match and both sides have great wingers. I would give a small advantage to Liverpool, but don’t feel that confident to predict a winner.

Recommended bet:

Over 11 corners @ 2.10 (Bet365)

Other bet:

Luis Suarez first goalscorer @ 6.00 (William Hill)