PREM: Stoke City v Liverpool preview

Stoke City v Liverpool preview

Xherdan Shaqiri could return to the Stoke starting line-up for the first time since January when the Potters face Liverpool on Saturday.

Shaqiri has been battling calf problems but boss Mark Hughes hopes his return will give him a fully-fit squad to choose from against Jurgen Klopp's men.

Jonathan Walters should return after missing the midweek loss at Burnley due to concussion, while Marc Muniesa and Mame Diouf have recovered from minor knee complaints.

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is a major doubt for the trip to Stoke because of illness.

The Brazil international will be given as long as possible to prove his fitness but has not trained for the last two days.

Forward Sadio Mane is set for an operation on a knee injury which has ended his season but centre-back Joel Matip should return to the starting line-up after a back problem reduced him to the role of substitute in midweek.

Teams

Stoke (from): Grant, Given, Bardsley, Shawcross, Pieters, Martins Indi, Muniesa, Cameron, Whelan, Adam, Imbula, Shaqiri, Allen, Afellay, Arnautovic, Sobhi, Walters, Crouch, Berahino, Diouf, Bony.

Liverpool (from): Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner, Lucas, Can, Wijnaldum, Firmino, Origi, Woodburn, Karius, Klavan, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Moreno, Grujic, Stewart, Sturridge, Wilson.