There might not be a man under more fire this year in the English Premier League than Brendan Rodgers. He has to win and win now with Liverpool to keep his job, and this opening match against Stoke City probably means more to him than the first week means to any other skipper in England.
ODDS ANALYSIS
These are the types of matches Liverpool lost all year long in 2014-15. The Reds are favored, but they aren't favored by quite enough to make you feel comfortable, especially after an 8-3-8 record away from Anfield last term.
So yes, it's nice to see Liverpool lined at +122 on the moneyline, but that's a precarious spot. The Asian handicap of PK -170 is a terrifying proposition for bettors, as that's a number which is almost begging you to place a bet on the visitors.
The total is rather ho hum by EPL standards at 2.5 with vig on the under at -133.
KEY INJURIES
After transferring Raheem Sterling during the transfer window to Manchester City, Liverpool has thinned itself out a ton. Daniel Sturridge is out through at least the first two months of the season with a hip injury he suffered at the end of last year, but the team is relatively healthy aside from that.
Stoke's captain, Ryan Shawcross could be out for this opener as well thanks to an ongoing back issue. Both Marc Wilson and Marko Arnautovic were taken off of the pitch in last weekend's friendly against Porto with mild injuries, and both are question marks for this one as well.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"It certainly has to happen very soon, and that's why I believe this is a massive season for Liverpool. I wouldn't say they are in the last chance saloon in terms of hanging on to their status as a world force, because Liverpool's fan base around the globe is enormous. But they need to start winning again soon." – Former Liverpool goalie David James on the pressure surrounding Brendan Rodgers and the Reds this season
RECENT FORM
Liverpool has yet to play a match this season at Anfield, but that probably isn't the worst thing in the world to get ready for this opener. The Reds have yet to lose a match, but the fact of the matter is that their Southern Pacific tour did little in terms of providing competition.
Most recently, Liverpool beat HJK Helsinki 2-0 in Finland.
To say there has been some concern at the Britannia is an understatement. Stoke looked clinical in a 6-0 win against Wrexham to kick off its preseason, but its second match against Brentford resulted in a drab 2-0 result. Mark Hughes hasn't had his best 11 on the pitch at any given time yet, but these results won't be encouraging.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
This match reeks of a draw to us. With Shawcross hobbled and Bojan Krkic yet to debut in a Stoke uniform this year, we're not sure that the Potters are capable of finding a winner in this one.
Meanwhile, Liverpool isn't going to look anywhere near the side it had last season. Of course, Steven Gerrard has moved on to the LA Galaxy, while both Sturridge via injury and Sterling via transfer aren't available either.
So what's really left to make this Liverpool team special after finishing sixth last year? Danny Ings and Christian Benteke are nice pieces to the puzzle, but they have never played with top tier clubs like this one.
It might come together as we go on this season in Anfield, but we don't see it in this match. Stoke City has a shot at all three points, but more realistic is a draw result, one which would suit the hosts just fine.
Stoke City 1, Liverpool 1
The EPL lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker Sportsbook with Liverpool lined as a +120 moneyline favorite and a total of 2.5. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between Liverpool and Stoke City is scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. ET at Britannia Stadium. The match will be televised live on NBC Sports Network.
